According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 420,000 people die annually due to foodborne diseases.
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It has been reported that about 600 million people fall ill worldwide every year due to contaminated food. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 420,000 people die annually due to foodborne diseases.
In this context, World Food Safety Day is being celebrated today with various programs in different parts of the world to raise public awareness about the importance of safe food.
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in 2018 and declared June 7 as World Food Safety Day, and this day has been celebrated worldwide since 2019. The promotion and coordination of the day are jointly carried out by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food is considered essential for human life, health and overall well-being. Various foodborne diseases are spread due to bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemicals that enter the body through contaminated food or water. Food safety is seen as a more challenging issue because such risks are often invisible to the naked eye.
According to WHO, children under the age of five bear about 40 percent of the total burden of foodborne diseases. About 125,000 children die every year due to such diseases. Foodborne diseases disproportionately affect women, children, conflict-affected communities, migrants and other vulnerable groups.
According to experts, food safety is an issue related to the entire food chain from production to consumption. If safety standards are followed at every stage of food production, collection, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, preparation and consumption, the risk of foodborne diseases can be significantly reduced.
On the occasion of this day, it is emphasized that food safety should be viewed in conjunction with effective regulatory systems, access to clean drinking water, good agricultural practices, food safety management systems and consumer awareness. Experts say that safe food can only be ensured through the joint efforts of the government, producers, businessmen, scientists, civil society and consumers.
Celebrated with the message that 'Food safety is everyone's responsibility', the day highlights the interrelationships between food safety, public health, agriculture, trade, tourism and sustainable development, and calls on all parties to play an active role in ensuring safe food.
