World Food Safety Day

World Food Safety Day History

World Food Safety Day is a global event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of food safety and the role it plays in our daily lives. It is an opportunity to strengthen efforts to ensure that the food we consume is safe, nutritious, and supports a healthy life. Key aspects of this observance include promoting a culture of food safety, emphasizing the need for collaboration among governments, food producers, and consumers, and highlighting the critical role of innovation and technology in improving food safety standards.

The United Nations General Assembly declared the first World Food Safety Day on June 7th, 2019, recognizing the significance of food safety for public health and global development. For India, a country experiencing rapid urbanization and changing food consumption patterns, food safety is particularly relevant. It is essential for protecting public health, improving agricultural productivity, promoting economic growth, and achieving food security. Additionally, addressing food safety concerns in India can contribute to reducing the high prevalence of foodborne illnesses and enhance the nation's reputation in global markets by ensuring the quality of exported food products.

On World Food Safety Day, various events and activities are conducted across India to spread awareness and encourage safe food practices. Government agencies, food regulators, educational institutions, and industry organizations take part in organizing seminars, workshops, and interactive sessions focused on promoting food safety principles and best practices. These initiatives are aimed at engaging all stakeholders, from farm to plate, in collectively working towards a safer food supply chain. While the global observance of World Food Safety Day takes place annually on June 7th, events in India might be organized around this date, depending on regional or local circumstances to ensure maximum participation and effective dissemination of information.

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.
• Food adulteration is a significant issue in India, with a variety of substances such as unauthorized colors and preservatives, harmful chemicals, and contaminated water being used to enhance the appearance, taste, or shelf life of food products.
• Street food is an integral part of Indian culture, as it provides affordable and diverse food options for millions of people. However, street food vendors often lack adequate training in food hygiene and sanitation and contribute to the spread of foodborne illnesses.

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

Top things to do in India 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 in India. Here are our recommendations:
  1. India's Food Safety Crisis: Tainted Bread, Toxic Vegetables, Poisoned Milk by Pulitzer Center- This short documentary exposes food safety issues in India, including pesticide-laden vegetables, contaminated milk, and illegal food additives.
  2. Food Adulteration and Safety in India by World Health Organisation- This video highlights the WHO report on food safety in India, discussing food adulteration and the measures taken to ensure public health.
  3. Dangerous Dose: India's Spiralling Food Adulteration Problem by Al Jazeera English:-This report investigates the issue of food adulteration in India, focusing on the use of toxic chemicals in everyday products and the steps being taken to promote safe food.
• Celebrate World Food Safety Day by following food safety protocol and preparing a traditional Indian dish. Here are our suggestions:
  1. Biryani - A rice dish made with basmati rice, meats (chicken, mutton, or fish), and aromatic spices.
  2. Paneer Tikka - Cottage cheese marinated in spices and grilled or roasted, served as an appetizer.
  3. Chole Bhature - A north Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpea curry and deep-fried bread called bhature.