Key messages of the World Food Safety Day.

 

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; Microbiological and toxicological sciences play a crucial role in food safety. In our changing world, climate sciences, social sciences and other disciplines also have a role to play in helping to develop more reliable and integrated policies and guidelines. Education is key; Teaching young people, advancing research and educating consumers about how to keep food safe will contribute to a robust food safety culture. Everyone is a risk manager; We all make daily choices about what we eat and how to handle food. These decisions are made by individuals, families, communities, businesses and governments. When we understand food safety risks, we make more informed decisions.