World Food Safety Day: Science in Action
Around 600 million people suffer from food-related illnesses every year. Consumption of unsafe food affects health, the economy, education and living standards around the world. That is why every year on June 7, World Food Safety Day is celebrated under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
If food is not safe, it is not food, remind the FAO and WHO. The UN agencies emphasize that safe food is not only a right, but also a shared responsibility.
Why is this important?Every person has the right to food. This means that we must have access to safe, nutritious, affordable and trustworthy food.
However, food can be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, fungi or parasites, which can cause at least 200 diseases. These diseases affect health, living standards, education and the economy as a whole.
In low- and middle-income countries alone, foodborne illnesses cost more than $110 billion annually. Yet almost all of these risks are preventable – with knowledge, appropriate policies, and evidence-based action.
Science at the center of solutionsIn 2025, the theme of the Day is “Food Safety: Science in Action.” Without science, it is impossible to ensure food safety throughout supply chains, which often span the globe and cross many borders.
Scientific research plays a key role in ensuring food safety – from microbiology and toxicology to climate and social sciences. Joint scientific advice programmes between FAO and WHO bring together the world’s leading experts to analyse risks and develop recommendations that underpin international standards.
The Codex Alimentarius, a set of internationally accepted standards and related texts presented in a uniform format, is designed to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade. Codex standards are based on reliable scientific evidence provided by independent international risk assessment bodies or through special consultations organized by FAO and WHO. The work of expert groups provides governments and food industry businesses with the tools to make decisions that benefit the health of millions.
Safety starts with everyoneEvery link in the supply chain – from farm to table – has a role to play. This year, World Food Safety Day calls on:
- Governments – invest in science and data collection, develop evidence-based policies and promote education;
- Enterprises – implement safe production processes, train personnel and monitor risks;
- Consumers – follow key food safety principles such as thorough cooking and hygiene and be aware of recommendations;
- Educational institutions – to educate schoolchildren and students, forming a culture of food safety from an early age;
- Scientists - to continue research and share knowledge with society.
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