World Food Safety Day

"Food is not just nourishment for the body, 

it is also a feast for the soul."

Welcome to World Food Safety Day, a global celebration promoting safe and healthy food for everyone. Today, we initiate a journey to explore the importance of food safety, challenges, and innovative solutions that ensure our meals are nourishing and free from harm and explore the secrets of food safety. Every year, 600 million people, including young children, suffer from foodborne diseases, with poverty-stricken populations particularly susceptible.
 

The United Nations designated June 7 as World food security day, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The resolution adopted in December 2018 led to the first World food safety day celebration in 2019 with the theme "Food safety, everyone's business." Foodborne illnesses contribute to approximately 420,000 preventable deaths caused by over 200 types of foodborne diseases. 
 

Theme Of 2023

Every year, Food and Agriculture Organization reveals a new theme for World food safety day, focusing on an important concern and promoting discussions among global leaders. The World Food Safety Day 2023 theme is "Food Standards Save Lives." 

This celebration aims to increase awareness regarding the significance of preventing, detecting, and managing risks associated with food safety practices. It encourages discussions, solutions, and improvements in human health, trade, agriculture, and sustainable development. 
 

Food Safety Day In India

India actively engages and observes World Food Safety Day as a global community member. In 2021, despite the hurdles of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare virtually participated in the Food Safety Day celebrations hosted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI has established five key parameters for national food safety day to assess the performance of states in ensuring food safety, including,

• Human resources and institutional arrangements
• Compliance
• Food testing infrastructure and surveillance
• Training and capacity building
• Consumer empowerment

What Is Food Safety? 

Food safety ensures that the food is free from contamination and poses no harm to our health. It involves proper handling, storage, and preparation techniques to restrict the growth of harmful bacteria and the presence of toxins. 

Mantra: Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill

Keep it clean: Practice regular handwashing and sanitize surfaces.

Prevent the spread of harmful germs by washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Clean utensils, cutting boards, and countertops after each use. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

Keep it separate: To avoid bacterial transfer and to prevent cross-contamination.

Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods in the fridge. Use sealed containers or secure wrapping to prevent juice leakage. Use separate plates and cutting boards for different food items. 
 

Ensure proper cooking temperatures.

Use a food thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperatures. Different types of food have specific temperature requirements. For example, beef, veal, lamb, and pork should reach 145°F, while ground meats, poultry, leftovers, and casseroles should reach 160-165°F. Follow recommended cooking times in the microwave and use a thermometer to ensure reheated food reaches 165°F.

Refrigerate food instantly to keep it fresh and safe.

Maintain your refrigerator temperature at or under 40°F and freezer at or below 0°F. Place perishable (likely to spoil, decay, or become unsafe to consume) food in the refrigerator within 2 hours (1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F). Using the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave, you can safely thaw frozen food. Avoid thawing food on the counter.

Ideas To Spread The Awareness

• Webinar Wisdom: Unite food enthusiasts in an enlightening online session on food safety. Share expert advice, ignite discussions, and empower participants with essential tips for a safer food journey.

• Spectacular Showcase: Ignite excitement with a virtual extravaganza featuring electrifying performances, interactive food fairs, captivating cooking demos, and mouthwatering displays. Bring the culinary world to life while emphasizing the significance of food safety.

• Social Media Sensation: Create a social media storm by unleashing captivating content, vibrant visuals, and engaging videos that ignite a hunger for food safety. Utilize catchy hashtags and captivating graphics to spread awareness far and wide.

• Active Advocacy: Promote fitness and food safety simultaneously by organizing energetic events like fun runs, walkathons, or dance-offs. Encourage participants to move, groove, and learn about safe food practices.

• Media Magic: Garner attention by collaborating with radio stations, newspapers, and magazines to amplify the message of food safety. Generate buzz and maximize impact by showcasing events and initiatives through compelling media coverage.

• Gourmet Gatherings: Host engaging discussions featuring food processors and chefs sharing their culinary secrets. Leverage social media platforms and virtual meet-ups to encourage participation and foster conversations around food safety.

• Storytelling Showdown: Inspire through personal stories from food workers, farmers, and individuals affected by foodborne illnesses. Empower them to express their experiences through writing, art, music, or acting to highlight the importance of food safety.

• Playful Pursuits: Transform food safety education into an exciting competition. Craft engaging quizzes, design food-themed challenges, or compose an infectious food safety rap. Make learning a delightful experience.

• Celebratory Cheers: Raise a toast to food safety champions and acknowledge their remarkable contributions. Recognize the outstanding achievers in food safety certification programs, particularly within the hospitality industry.
   

Facts

1. Foodborne illnesses affect millions of people annually.
2. Proper handwashing is crucial for preventing the spread of bacteria.
3. Cross-contamination can lead to foodborne illnesses.
4. Cooking food to the correct temperature eliminates bacteria.
5. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth in perishable foods, whereas cleaning and sanitizing surfaces reduce contamination risks.
6. Food labels provide important information on expiration dates and storage.

Wrap-up

World food safety day 2023 reminds us of the importance of food safety in protecting our health and well-being. By promoting awareness, implementing proper practices, and fostering a global commitment to food safety, we can make a healthier and safer world for everyone. Let's prioritize food safety daily and ensure every bite we take is a step toward a safer future.

"Food is the art we eat."