World Food Safety Day: Toward Safe Food Consumption
World Food Safety Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, is on June 7. The day highlights the dangers of eating contaminated food and promotes measures to address food safety incidents worldwide. Read on to learn more.
Key Info: World Food Safety Day
- When is World Food Safety Day?
Occurs annually on the 7th of June - This Year (2026):
Sunday, June 7, 2026 (date has passed) - Official Website: FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius World Food Safety Day
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Future Dates
- Monday, June 7, 2027
- Wednesday, June 7, 2028
- Thursday, June 7, 2029
- Friday, June 7, 2030
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Additional Details
- Observed By: Government agencies, food producers, handlers, businesses, and consumers worldwide
- Where Is It Observed: International
- Primary Theme: Food Safety And Public Health
- Hashtags: #WorldFoodSafetyDay #FoodSafety #SafeFood #WFSD2024 #CodexAlimentarius
Quick links: World Food Safety Day
Why World Safety Day Matters
Food safety involves keeping food free from harmful elements at every stage, from production to consumption, through proper handling, preparation, and storage to prevent illness.
The World Health Organization stresses that food safety is crucial for food security and minimizing waste, eventually contributing to economic prosperity.
Since ensuring food safety is a global responsibility that involves cooperation between farmers and consumers, World Food Safety Day highlights the need for collective action.
Data and Statistics
A World Health Organization (WHO) report estimates approximately 600 million people fall ill due to foodborne diseases, resulting in 420,000 deaths in 2010. Moreover, 38% of the cases are for children under five.
The global burden of foodborne diseases is highest in the low—and middle-income countries of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. These regions, making up 41% of the global population, have recorded 53% of all reported foodborne illnesses and 75% of the related deaths.
In low—and middle-income countries, the estimated total financial costs of treating foodborne illnesses and productivity losses are around USD 110 billion.
How to Practice Food Safety
- Wash your hands before, during, and after preparing food to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Store food at the right temperature. Refrigerate perishable food within two hours of cooking or purchasing. Try other preserving techniques to reduce food waste.
- Avoid cross-contamination when handling different types of food, especially raw and cooked items. Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and other foods.
- Cook food to the right temperature to kill harmful bacteria that may cause foodborne illnesses. Use a food thermometer for accuracy.
- Clean kitchen surfaces, utensils, and appliances regularly to avoid spreading bacteria.
Brief Timeline of World Safety Day
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Codex Alimentarius Commission to develop food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice.
The 53rd World Health Assembly passed resolution WHA 53.15 on food safety, recognizing its importance to public health.
The United Nations General Assembly adopts A/RES/73/250, proclaiming a World Food Safety Day every June 7.
The first-ever World Food Safety Day is celebrated globally with the theme "Food Safety, everyone's business."
Food Safety Day Themes and Hashtags
| June 7, 2020 | Food Safety, Everyone’s Business |
| June 7, 2021 | Safe Food Today for a Healthy Tomorrow |
| June 7, 2022 | Safer Food, Better Health |
| June 7, 2023 | Food Standards Save Lives |
| June 7, 2024 | Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected |
- #WorldFoodSafetyDay
- #SafeFood
- #FoodSafetyMatters
- #EatSafe
- #ZeroHunger
Conclusion
World Food Safety Day draws attention to the prevalence of foodborne illnesses and the collaborative efforts required to address this issue. As part of Sustainable Development Goal number 2, the day calls for us to ensure food safety to combat global hunger, from producers to consumers to food business operators.
Resources:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The United Nations established this global observance to promote food safety as an integral part of human health and raise awareness on how to prevent and manage foodborne risks.
It prevents the spread of foodborne illnesses, ensuring the health and well-being of consumers.
To reduce the risk of food contamination, we can practice proper food handling, storage, and cooking techniques. We can also lobby policymakers and corporations to strengthen food control systems on a wider scale.
Hazards include bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and physical contaminants that can cause illness when we consume unsafe food.
It encourages governments, the food industry, food safety authorities, and individuals to access safe and nutritious food through education, advocacy, and policy initiatives.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
