FORUM: "Food safety: prepare for the unexpected." World Food Safety Day 2024. On World Food Safety Day, we
remember that food safety is a collective
responsibility – everyone from producers
to consumers needs to play their part.
This is the only way we can be sure the
food on your plate will be safe. However,
there are exceptional situations where
even if we have all played our part, the
unexpected intervenes and food safety is
compromised.
Even then, there is always something we
can do to avoid illness. Are you ready
for the unexpected?
Food safety incidents can range from
minor events to major international
crises, whether it is a power outage
at home, a food poisoning at a
local restaurant, a voluntary recall
of contaminated products by a
manufacturer, an outbreak from imported
products, or a natural disaster.
Food safety hazards do not recognize
borders, so in an increasingly
interconnected global food supply,
risks posed by unsafe food can rapidly
evolve from a local problem to an
international emergency.
EVENTS: From 05 to 11 June, 2024 A series of webinars and panel discussions hosted by the FAO and the WHO will be held to mark the World Food Safety Day 2024.
07 June 2024 - World Food Safety Day Colombia/ Free webinar on how to prepare for the unexpected,
07 June 2024 - World Food Safety Day Colombia/ Free webinar on how to prepare for the unexpected,
Colombia.
07 June 2024 - World Food Safety Day Portugal/ Workshop on parasites in sushi,
Portugal.
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07 June 2024 - World Food Safety Day/ Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye to promote importance of food safety.
Türkiye.
KEY MESSAGES
Preparedness is key When the unexpected happens, preparedness is key. National food safety emergency response plans and strengthened/strong surveillance systems are essential to manage food safety events. Food businesses should have a management and response plan in place that facilitate immediate action in case of a food safety incident.
Multisectoral collaboration - ensures effective responses: Shared responsibility for food safety requires collaboration on issues that affect us all ‒ globally, regionally, nationally and locally. A coordinated approach across government agencies, national authorities and the food industry helps minimize public health impact.
Rapid exchange of information saves lives: Fast and accurate information sharing among all relevant partners, including government agencies, food inspection services, food businesses, laboratories, international organizations and others helps identification of the nature and origin of food safety events and saves lives.
Effective communication maintains confidence in the food supply: Providing accurate, open and timely information to stakeholders, including healthcare providers, the media and the general public, helps maintain faith in the food supply and prevents further illness.
Food safety management plans help protect consumers: Food producers, importers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers should all have established and regularly updated food safety management plans to protect public health.
Decisive action of food operators benefits all:Food industry stakeholders must be ready to implement emergency response plans and approaches, including procedures for withdrawal and recall.
Traceability systems are an effective tool to track food through the food chain.
Everyone is a risk manager - Everyone evaluates food safety risks as part of their daily choices. These choices are made by individuals and collectively by families, communities, businesses and governments.
FACTS & FIGURES
- One in ten people worldwide fall ill from contaminated food each year. It affects all countries.
- Over 200 diseases are caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances such as heavy metals.
- Children under 5 make up 9 percent of the population, but carry 40 percent of the foodborne disease burden, being at a higher risk of malnutrition and mortality due to unsafe food.
- Since its creation in 2004, the FAO/WHO International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) has facilitated the rapid exchange of information across borders and between members, during thousands of food safety events.
- Food safety incidents are not only caused by foodborne illness. They can be due an unexpected event that can lead to contamination or cause a break down in food safety controls, such as power outage or flooding.
commit to developing or updating national food safety emergency response plans
strengthen national food control systems
increase surveillance and coordination capacities
improve communication with food businesses and the general public
Food businesses can:
improve food safety management plans
share “lessons learned” and work collaboratively with each other
improve the way they communicate with consumers
Consumers can:
ensure they know how to report or respond to a food safety incident
ensure they understand the implications of the unexpected at home, and how to react
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