World Food Safety Day – 7 June

Image Source: fao.org

World Food Safety Day

Humans need a few basic needs to thrive. Food (including water), clothing, and shelter are the bare minimums for a decent existence. Food is a need; it has always catalyzed societal change, advancement, and expansion.

On the other side, food safety is becoming a serious problem. With the increase in population and also increased in chemicals, it is of utmost importance to have an idea about what is the kind of food we have been consuming.

Food is one of the most essential things our body needs to survive, and what is also most important is to eat the right food. Hence, keeping this factor in mind, there was a need to specially dedicate a day to World Food Safety Day.

How our food is produced, stored, handled, and consumed has an impact on its safety. If food safety is not ensured, consumers’ health may be threatened. World Food Safety Day is observed every year to emphasize the significance of food safety.

What is National Food Safety Day’s significance?

As a consumer, you should be aware of common food hazards and ensure that food is prepared and stored safely. It is the responsibility of everyone to keep food safe. Governments, distributors, retailers, farmers, processors, and consumers must work altogether to save food.

Food poisoning is more common in specific groups of people, such as children under the age of five, pregnant women, adults above the age of 65, and people with weakened immune organisations. To live a long and healthy life, food safety is essential.

The Origins of World Food Day

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization was founded on this day in 1945. (FAO). Dr.PálRomány, the previous Hungarian Minister of Agriculture and Food who headed the Hungarian Delegation to the FAO Conference’s 20th session, proposed a day dedicated to fighting global hunger.

Following that, in November 1979, the FAO’s member established World Food Day and called for it to be commemorated on October 16, 1981.

On December 5, 1980, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed this decision, urging governments, international, national, and local organizations to join World Food Day celebrations. World Food Day has been marked every year since 1981.

What happens on World Food Safety Day?

Food safety benefits human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, food security, market access, tourism, and sustainable development. Food goes through various procedures before it reaches the customer.

Everyone participating in the supply chain has a role to play in keeping it safe. People prepare and eat organic meals on this day, and they do save food. People are afraid of wasting food and would rather eat contaminated food.

World Food Day celebrations

This year, people are encouraged to respect and acknowledge individuals who produce, cultivate, harvest, fish, or transport our food. Against all obstacles, the latter continue to provide food to their communities and beyond, assisting in the growth, nourishment, and sustainability of our planet. You can also use digital media to raise awareness about the significance of the day.

Several activities are scheduled for this day. The FAO headquarters in Rome is in charge of Italy’s large-scale program. It emphasizes the importance of the food supply in particular. UN entities and universities hold symposia, conferences, workshops, and lectures on food production, distribution, and security.

India is a diverse country with numerous cultures and traditions. Depending on the state, festivals are celebrated in a variety of styles and ways. On this day, some families save food to give to the poor and needy.

Hence, the primary reason for the existence of the day is very simple, that is to make people understand the importance of the ‘Right’ food in their lives. Also, on this day people are made conscious of the fact that in the country there are so many people who do not get to consume even the basic meals. One should not waste food.