World Food Safety Day

The Forum , organized jointly by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the Standards and Trade Development Facility and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of the Government of Australia, will serve as a global platform for food safety stakeholders from Member States and international partners to exchange experiences regarding the application of digital technologies in food safety practices. Watch the UNIDO Vienna Food Safety Forum [5th meeting]

   The Forum, organized jointly by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the Standards and Trade Development Facility and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of the Government of Australia, will serve as a global platform for food safety stakeholders from Member States and international partners to exchange experiences regarding the application of digital technologies in food safety practices. Watch the UNIDO Vienna Food Safety Forum [4th meeting] ! Meetings & Events

The Forum, organized jointly by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the Standards and Trade Development Facility and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of the Government of Australia, will serve as a global platform for food safety stakeholders from Member States and international partners to exchange experiences regarding the application of digital technologies in food safety practices. UNIDO Vienna Food Safety Forum [3rd meeting] Meetings & Events

 The Forum, organized jointly by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the Standards and Trade Development Facility and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of the Government of Australia, will serve as a global platform for food safety stakeholders from Member States and international partners to exchange experiences regarding the application of digital technologies in food safety practices. Watch the UNIDO Vienna Food Safety Forum [2nd meeting]!

The Forum, organized jointly by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the Standards and Trade Development Facility and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of the Government of Australia, will serve as a global platform for food safety stakeholders from Member States and international partners to exchange experiences regarding the application of digital technologies in food safety practices. Watch the UNIDO Vienna Food Safety Forum [1st meeting ] !

Food can become contaminated with an array of hazards: bacteria, chemicals, fungi or parasites, which can cause at least 200 different diseases. These illnesses impact health, livelihoods, education and economies. However, they can be prevented - when we are informed and take action. Each year on June 7th, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) work together to facilitate the observance of this Day all around the world. On World Food Safety Day , we remember that food safety is a collective right and responsibility – everyone needs to play their part. Join us this year to celebrate World Food Safety Day – whether as a policymaker, a food business owner or employee, as an educator or as a consumer! Because food safetyis everyone’s business.

Everyone involved in the food supply chain - from producers, to processors, transporters, retailers, cooks and consumers - relies on the universal application of good practices, agreed processes and standards to keep food safe. These all draw on the careful, clear and thoughtful application of the best available scientific evidence that explores how and why food can become contaminated and make us sick.  Scientists assess and analyse risks to human health associated with known, established, emerging and anticipated food safety hazards, and they provide advice to assist policymakers, food businesses and consumers make safe choices. Without science, it would not be possible to maintain food safety along supply chains, which often span the globe and cross multiple borders.  This World Food Safety Day, we are celebrating the important role that science plays in making informed decisions about food. 

  Science is fundamental to food safety;  International expert bodies like those in the Joint FAO/WHO Food Safety Scientific Advice Programme play a crucial role in shaping international standards and guidance, which inform national legislations and contribute to the harmonized trade in safe food. This protects consumers everywhere. If it is not safe, it is not food; We all have a right to food. That means we should have access to food that is safe, nutritious, affordable and reliable. Food safety is everyone’s business; The safety of our food depends upon the application of good practices and good communication along the food chain, from production to consumption. Everyone has a role to play in keeping food safe. There is no science without data; All governments and the food industry play a vital role in the collection and sharing of data: this is the evidence scientists use to determine how to keep food safe. There are many scientific disciplines behind food safety ; Mi...

  Governments can: •Invest in research and support scientists. When governments invest in sound science to guide policies, they create a solid foundation for good governance. •Invest in data collection. This can support regular review of scientific advice and promote data sharing both within and beyond their borders. •Develop science-based policies to ensure food safety along the food supply chain, reassure consumers about the safety of their food, and address emerging risks. • Promote science education to empower young people with the knowledge to stay safe and secure the future of food safety.

  Science provides the basis for food safety guidance, but preventing foodborne illness depends on all of us taking the right actions. Food businesses can: •Implement evidence-based programmes to identify potential contamination risks and ensure safe handling, processing, distribution and storage of food. • Reinforce food safety practices by continuously educating and retraining employees on the latest food safety practices and emerging risks. This ensures consistent high standards throughout the supply chain. • Support data collection efforts to facilitate regular review of the scientific basis on which practices and risk management measures are established and monitor and oversee their implementation

   Schools can: • Teach food safety basics and incorporate food safety education into school curricula, teaching students about safe food handling and hygiene. • Make food safety fun! Encourage students to learn through creative activities and involve them in developing good practices in their school. • Encourage an interest in science. The next generation of scientists is at school! Children should develop an understanding of science and develop the skills to critically assess information and support evidence-based decision making.

 Academics can: • Conduct and share research on food safety including known and emerging risks, and disseminate findings to inform policy and the public. • Provide education and training to governments and the food industry on the latest food safety practices, emerging risks and the importance of sound scientific research and data to prevent foodborne illnesses

 Consumers can:  • Practice safe handling using evidence-based practices at home. Following the five keys to safe food reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses. • Stay informed by keeping up to date on food safety advice from national authorities. Staying informed about ongoing outbreaks and emerging risks can make us all safe.

You are invited to participate to the Seventh edition of the World Food Safety Day (WFSD). This year’s theme, “ Food Safety: Science in Action ,” highlights the vital role of science in ensuring the food we eat is safe . From a simple power outage at home to food poisoning at a restaurant, a voluntary recall of contaminated product s, or an outbreak linked to imported food, food safety incidents can occur at different scales and have varied impacts. Across the entire food chain —from farm to table—millions of people rely on strict adherence to best practices, standards, and processes grounded in scientific evidence. Science helps us understand how and why food can become contaminated and cause illness , and it provides the tools to prevent it. Scientists assess known and emerging risks, advise authorities, businesses, and consumers, and support informed and responsible decision-making. Without their work, maintaining food safety in today’s globally interconnected supply chains would...

This Toolkit was developed by FAO and WHO to help food safety advocates around the world prepare their World Food Safety Day events. Please get in touch and let us know what you plan for the Day, and how you are putting science into action this year! Events and news can be posted on the World Food Safety Day website. Email: world-food-safety-day@fao.org world-food-safety-day@who.int  Social media : tag @FAOWHOCodex on X Join: WHO’s Food Systems Community of Practice food safety group https://www.whofoodsystems.org/ Hashtag: #WorldFoodSafetyDay

  Keep it safe! Business operators must ensure that food is safed.