World Food Safety Day

World Food Safety Day History

World Food Safety Day is a global observance aimed at raising awareness about the significance of safe and healthy food consumption for a better world. This day revolves around the idea of educating people about the various aspects of food safety, which include hygiene, proper storage, and contamination prevention. Emphasizing on these aspects not only highlights the importance of protecting public health but also promotes the sustainable development of food production and consumption chains, ensuring that access to nutritious and secure food reaches everyone.

The United Nations General Assembly, in December 2018, deemed World Food Safety Day to be an international day to be observed annually. This decision highlights the importance of food safety for public health and well-being; a concern that transcends borders and nationalities. For the United Kingdom, this observance is particularly relevant as foodborne illnesses affect millions of people every year, causing severe health consequences or even death. Raising awareness on this matter and adopting good practices can contribute to a stronger national food safety culture, safeguarding UK citizens and supporting the country's economic development through the increasingly globalized food trade.

The UK, in association with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), typically celebrates World Food Safety Day through various activities and campaigns aimed at informing and engaging the public, businesses, and government bodies. These initiatives may include seminars, conferences, food safety workshops, and social media campaigns that reinforce the importance of this observance in empowering people with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about the food they consume. World Food Safety Day is observed annually on the 7th of June, providing an opportunity for the UK to join the global effort in promoting and ensuring food safety for all.

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 UK has been facing a significant challenge in tackling Campylobacter, which is the most common cause of foodborne illness in the country. Most cases are associated with the consumption of contaminated poultry.
• In 2013, the UK faced a horsemeat scandal, where horsemeat was found in various processed meat products marketed as beef.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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 the food industry in the UK. Here are our top picks:
  1. Chicken Run (2018) – In this episode of the BBC documentary series, Panorama investigates how antibiotic-resistant superbugs are entering the UK food chain through imported chicken.
  2. Food: What Goes in Your Basket? (2007) – This Channel 4 documentary investigates the British public's food purchasing habits and delves into issues like food safety, animal welfare, and environmental concerns.
  3. Tricks of the Restaurant Trade (2015 - ongoing) – This Channel 4 series provides an insight into the workings of the restaurant industry in the UK, covering various aspects of food service, safety, and hygiene.
• Celebrate World Food Safety Day by following proper food safety protocol and preparing a traditional UK dish. Here are our top picks:
  1. Fish and Chips - An iconic British dish, ensure you use fresh fish and properly cooked chips to adhere to food safety principles.
  2. Sunday Roast - A traditional British meal consisting of roasted meat, roasted potatoes, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding.
  3. Eton Mess - A classic British dessert made with fresh strawberries, crushed meringue, and whipped cream.