World Food Safety Day

  Children aged less than five years face almost three times the risk of illness from unsafe food than older children and adults, according to new estimates released today by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite being just 9% of the global population, young children suffer from nearly one third of all cases of foodborne diseases, particularly diarrhoeal diseases which can be deadly for this vulnerable age group. In addition, exposure to chemical hazards such as methylmercury and lead in food can harm the developing brain and cause lifelong neurological and developmental problems in children. WHO estimates that unsafe food causes around 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths annually, many of which could be prevented with measures including improved water, sanitation and hygiene, food safety practices such as pasteurization and access to health care for vulnerable populations. Although the total foodborne disease burden has declined since 2000, major regional inequalit...

 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.

  Know what's safe!  Consumers should learn about safe and healthy food.

Food safety problems arise from various sources, including contaminated food, poor hygiene, improper storage, and inadequate cooking practices, leading to foodborne illnesses. These issues can result in a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe illness, and even death. Here's a more detailed look at common food safety problems: 1. Contamination: Pathogens : Bacteria (like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli), viruses, and parasites can contaminate food, leading to illness. Foreign Objects : Metal, glass, or other foreign objects can enter the food supply. Pesticides and Chemicals : The use of excessive or incorrect pesticides and chemicals can contaminate food. 2. Poor Handling and Storage: Cross-Contamination : Raw food, especially meat, poultry, and seafood, can contaminate other foods if not handled properly. Improper Temperature Control : Foods held in the "danger zone" (40°F to 140°F) allow bacteria to multiply quickly. Inadequate Storage : Raw foods sh...

The  World Food Safety Day  aims to raise awareness and promote concrete actions to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks, thereby supporting human health, safe trade, responsible agriculture, and sustainable development. It is an opportunity to: Raise public awareness about issues related to food safety Show how foodborne illnesses can be prevented through safe food practices Explore collaborative approaches to improve food safety across all sectors Promote solutions and ways to enhance food safety Multiple actors are involved in food supply chains : producers, processors, transporters, distributors, retailers, cooks—and consumers. At every point in the chain, hazards can lead to contamination. Everyone involved has a role and responsibility to uphold food safety. Illness caused by food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. Infectious organisms or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning. Food poisoning symptoms may include crampin...