World Food Safety Day

World Food Safety Day History

World Food Safety Day is an annual observance with the aim to draw attention to the importance of food safety and its role in maintaining public health, social well-being, and economic development. It emphasizes the significance of food safety protocols, sanitation practices, pest control, and proper handling and storage of food to prevent contamination, spoilage, and disease outbreaks. The primary goals of the observance are to raise awareness of these issues on a global scale, encourage collaboration between governments, industries, and consumers, and promote best practices and research to ensure food safety for everyone.

The United Nations General Assembly designated June 7th as the annual World Food Safety Day in 2018 in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Although Canada boasts a comprehensive food safety system, the observance serves as a reminder to uphold these standards to mitigate potential risks of foodborne illnesses or other adverse health effects. Canada's reputation for high-quality, safe food products is essential in sustaining both domestic and international consumers' trust, which supports the country's agriculture, retail, and food service sectors.

During World Food Safety Day in Canada, various awareness programs, educational workshops, and other relevant events are organized by government agencies, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations. These events aim to ensure that Canadians understand the importance of food safety and the role each individual plays in preventing foodborne illnesses. By engaging in these activities and commemorating World Food Safety Day on June 7th each year, Canadians maintain a strong commitment to adhering to food safety guidelines and continuous progress in the field of food safety.

World Food Safety Day facts

• The "Danger Zone" for food is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), as this range allows bacteria to grow rapidly. It is important to keep perishable foods below 40°F (4°C) or above 140°F (60°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
• According to the World Health Organization, about 600 million people around the world fall ill after eating contaminated food each year.
• Unsafe food is responsible for more than 200 diseases because of the harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances it can contain.
• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducts approximately 3,000 foodborne illness investigations each year to identify potential food safety concerns and prevent future outbreaks.
• Canada has one of the safest food systems worldwide, consistently ranking high in global food safety rankings. It has strict food safety regulations and a comprehensive inspection system to prevent foodborne illnesses.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Food Safety Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Food Safety Day

• Watch the 2021 World Food Safety Day video.
• Learn more about food safety.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about food safety and nutrition in Canada. Here are our top picks:
  1. Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story (2014) - This Canadian documentary addresses the problem of food waste in Canada, looking at expiry dates, perfect produce, and portion sizes while also exploring the environmental consequences of food waste.
  2. Food Insight – Food Safety in Canada (2009) - Produced by the Canadian Public Health Association, this documentary examines the existing state of food safety in Canada and highlights the government's efforts to improve the system.
  3. Sugar Coated (2015) - This documentary investigates the sugar industry and its influence on public health in Canada and other countries. It covers the marketing strategies used by the industry to promote sugar consumption and tackles the issue of sugar addiction.
• Celebrate World Food Safety Day by practicing proper food handling and preparing a Canadian dish. Here are our suggestions:
  1. Maple Glazed Salmon- A dish featuring salmon fillets marinated and glazed with a mix of maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic, then baked or grilled to perfection.
  2. Blueberry Grunt- A classic Canadian dessert made with blueberries cooked in a sweet syrup and topped with steamed dumplings. Use whole grain flour and natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to make it a healthier option.
  3. Tourtière- A traditional French-Canadian meat pie made with ground pork, beef, or game meat, potatoes, and spices. Use a whole-grain crust and lean meats to make it healthier.