Food safety is the absence – or safe, acceptable levels – of hazards in food that may harm the health of consumers. Food safety has a critical role in ensuring that food stays safe at every stage of the food chain – from production to harvest, processing, storage, distribution, all the way to preparation and consumption. In December 2018, cognizant of the urgent need to raise awareness at all levels and to promote and facilitate actions for global food safety, the UN General Assembly designated 7 June as World Food Safety Day (A/RES/73/250).
2021 Theme: Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow
This year’s theme brings into notice that the type of food being produced and consumed will have a long term impact on our and our environment’s health. The day also highlights the disparity in food safety among different income groups. It is found that people from low income groups have limited access to safe food and therefore inhibits our Sustainable Development Goals related to health and poverty that we have set for ourselves to be achieved by 2030.
Food safety is a shared responsibility between governments, producers and consumers. Everyone has a role to play from farm to table to ensure the food we consume is safe and healthy. Through the World Food Safety Day, WHO works to mainstream food safety in the public agenda and reduce the burden of foodborne diseases globally. This year’s celebration focuses on the following key events:
a) Ensure it’s safe – Government must ensure safe and nutritious food for all
b) Grow it safe – Agriculture and food producers need to adopt good practices
c) Keep it safe – Business operators must make sure food is safe
d) Know what’s safe – Consumers need to learn about safe and healthy food
e) Team up for food safety – Work together for safe food and good health
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Shristi Banerjee,
Practising Advocate, High Court of Jharkhand (India).