World Food Safety Day

Background:

World Food Safety Day is a global campaign that aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks.
It is celebrated on 7 June every year since 2019, following a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly.
The campaign is led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with Member States and other relevant organisations.
The theme for 2023: Food standards save lives.

Linkage:

United States: In the United States, World Food Safety Day is recognised and celebrated by various government agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These agencies promote food safety practices and provide educational resources to consumers and food businesses.
United Kingdom: The United Kingdom acknowledges World Food Safety Day through the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The FSA plays a crucial role in ensuring food safety standards are upheld throughout the country. On this day, they may organise campaigns, events, and awareness programs to educate the public about safe food handling.
India: In India, World Food Safety Day is acknowledged by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI is responsible for setting food safety standards and regulating the food industry in the country. They may organise awareness campaigns, workshops, and training sessions to promote safe food practices.
China: China’s participation in World Food Safety Day involves various government agencies such as the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) and the General Administration of Customs. These organisations enforce food safety regulations, conduct inspections, and work towards preventing foodborne illnesses.

Current Scenario:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) organised a session on June 7th, 2023, to celebrate World Food Safety Day.
The 5th State Food Safety Index (SFSI) was also unveiled at the event. The Index is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all States/UTs.
Kerala secured the top rank among larger states, followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

Impact:

Strengthening Food Testing Laboratories: There is a need to Establish well-equipped and accredited food testing laboratories across the country, especially in rural areas.
Empowering Local Communities: There is a need to encourage community participation and awareness by organising workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions on food safety.
Ensuring Transparency in Food Stock Holdings: Using IT to improve communication channels with farmers can help them to get a better deal for their produce, while improving storage houses with the latest technology is equally important to deal with natural disasters and hoarding.