Keeping food safe saves lives

Geneva, 7 June – As World Food Safety Day is celebrated today, the World Health Organization is urging everyone, from producers to consumers, to keep these resources free from contamination and save lives.

“Food safety is everyone’s business” is the motto of this celebration, which aims to raise awareness among the population about the importance of prevention, detection and risk management through food safety, and to promote discussions, solutions and ways to improve human health, trade, agriculture and sustainability. development.

According to experts, 600 million people get sick every year due to 200 different types of diseases that can be transmitted through food, and among the most affected are the vulnerable and marginalized groups, especially women, children and affected communities. .

It is estimated that 420,000 people die annually in the world due to the consumption of contaminated food.

The theme for 2023 is “Food Standards Save Lives,” and it gives farmers and processors guidance on the healthy handling of food.

They also specify the maximum levels of additives and contaminants, among other ingredients, that can be safely consumed.

Governments, regional or intergovernmental organizations and bodies are responsible for setting these standards.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, is one of the bodies responsible for setting international safety and quality standards.

Food safety refers to the absence of harmful elements in food, which can be of a biological, chemical or physical nature, which ensures safe consumption by humans, without posing health risks.

It covers aspects such as hygiene during production, processing, storage and distribution, as well as supply chain control and implementation of good handling practices.

It also means complying with food safety regulations and standards set by the relevant authorities, both nationally and internationally.