Opinion: Everybody has a part in food safety

Since 2019, every June 7 has been marked for the celebration of World Food Safety Day.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “prepare for the unexpected”, and it aims to draw people’s attention to food incidents, how different situations could impair food safety, and how to plan ahead to ensure your food is safe.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), one in 10 people worldwide fall ill from contaminated food each year, over 200 diseases are caused by eating contaminated food, and 40 percent of the foodborne disease burden is carried by children under 5.

Apparently, contaminated food could be taken by anyone anywhere in the world. If contaminated food can be taken by anyone, then everyone has a part in making food safe.

Food contamination could occur as a result of inadequate controls, natural events or accident. However, this threat could be managed.

As we celebrate the World Food Safety Day with the theme “Prepare for the Unexpected”, let’s take a look at how everybody – both individuals and government – has a role to play in ensuring food safety.

Below are some ways individuals can prepare for the unexpected:

Practice Good Hygiyene: Wash hands anytime you are in contact with food, especially when cooking.

Store Food Properly: Keep food away from anything that can get them contaminated.

Stay informed: Follow local news and health department updates to know about any food borne disease breakout.

Be Prepared Always: As an individual, not only should you be vigilant about what you consume, you should also be prepared by having an alternative, incase anything goes wrong with a food.

For the government, here are some ways to prepare for the unexpected:

Strong Food Control System: The government can help in food safety by establishing and implementing regulations on food. This way, consumers and food producers will avoid any form of food incidents.

Funding of Food Safety Research: The government can also prepare for the unexpected by funding research that revolves around food safety issues and innovative solutions.

Public Education: There are many citizens who have little or no information about food city, this gap could be bridged by the government through citizens awareness.

International Collaboration: Food safety is a global problem, therefore, the governor needs to collaborate with different countries across the globe.

By taking these steps, governments and individuals can prepare a place for the unexpected food safety challenges, protect public health, and grow the economy financially.