World Food Safety Day 2024; June 7th.

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,

Colombia.

07 June 2024 - World Food Safety Day Portugal/ Workshop on parasites in sushi,

Portugal.

07 June 2024 - World Food Safety Day/ Japan Food Safety Management Association hybrid event,

Japan.

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.

Governments can:
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

International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing 2024; June 5th.

FORUM: "Achieving sustainable fisheries is a commitment for states around the world." International Day for the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing 2024. IUU fishing undermines national and regional efforts to conserve and manage fish stocks and, as a consequence, inhibits progress towards achieving the goals of long-term sustainability and responsibility. Moreover, IUU fishing greatly disadvantages and discriminates against those fishers that act responsibly, honestly and in accordance with the terms of their fishing authorizations. If IUU fishers target vulnerable stocks that are subject to strict management controls or moratoria, efforts to rebuild those stocks to healthy levels will not be achieved, threatening marine biodiversity, food security for communities who rely on fisheries resources for protein and the livelihoods of those involved in the sector. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #5june, #IUUFishing, #PSMA, #FightIUUfishing,

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provides different types of support to assist States improve their capacity to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. To learn more and contact FAO at FAO-IUU@fao.org for more information.

EVENTS: On June 5th the FAO will held a webinar to mark the International Day for the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing 2024. Explore the calendar of events!

- On May 27th, 2014; Africa and Near East countries meet to discuss the PSMA.
- On May 24th, 2024; Second edition of the FAO course on Advanced Monitoring, Control and Surveillance held in Zaragoza
- On May 17th, 2024; Latin American and Caribbean countries meet to discuss the PSMA
- On May 8th, 2024; Expert Workshop on the FAO Compliance Agreement to bolster flag State responsibilities.
- On April 25th, 2024; FAO experts return to Honduras to provide technical assistance.
- On April 24th, 2024 ;FAO supports South Africa through a legal and an MCS review
- On April 8th, 2024; Comoros and Papua New Guinea become Parties to the PSMA
- On March 29th, 2024; FAO provides workshop and training to various officers in Guinea
- On March 25th, 2024; Seventh meeting of the Global Record Working Group held in Panama.
- On March 25th, 2024; Fourth meeting of the Technical Working Group on Information Exchange held to discuss initial stages of GIES operationalization.

- On March 21th, 2024; Fisheries professionals debate FAO’s IUU fishing estimation guidelines.
- On March 19th, 2024; Needs assessment workshop held in Angola to strengthen fight against IUU fishing.
- On March 6th, 2024; Fifteen officers in the Gambia participate in FAO port inspection training.
- On February 26th, 2024; FAO-supported fisheries policy and strategy becomes law in Mozambique.
- On February 23rd, 2024; MCS review held in the Comoros.

- On February 21st, 2024; New technical assistance programme launched in the Comoros
- On February 19th, 2024; FAO delivers fisheries risk assessment training in Kenya
- On February 19th, 2024; 2024 round of PSMA regional coordination meetings kicks off in New Zealand to cover the Southwest Pacific.
- On February 16th, 2024; FAO supports Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in new Fisheries law.
- On January 31st; FAO and other UN agencies strengthen coordination to combat IUU fishing.

PUBLICATIONS:

Checklists and technical guidelines to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Volume III: Checklist of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) systems, operations, procedures and tools.

This document is the third volume of a series of publications entitled Checklists and Technical Guidelines to Combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. This checklist provides a list of minimum requirements to ensure that the national MCS systems, operations,...


PSMA Report
Report of the fourth meeting of the Part 6 Working Group established by the Parties to the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, Rome, 4 April 2023.

This document contains the report of the fourth meeting of the Part 6 Working Group established by the Parties to the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.


Methodologies and indicators for the estimation of the magnitude and impact of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing: 1.3 A catalogue of examples.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is, by definition, carried out in contravention of the law, perpetrated without being immediately detected by monitoring and surveillance, or conducted without the constraints of any regulatory system.


Methodologies and indicators for the estimation of the magnitude and impact of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing: 1.2 A practical guide to delivering an estimate.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activity is a persistent and pervasive problem in many different types of fisheries around the world. Understanding the nature and magnitude of these activities is an important, but often daunting, step toward combating them.


CAMPAIGN: Together we can stop it.

Did you know that:

• IUU fishing represents up to 26 million tonnes of fish caught annually
• IUU fishing occurs on the high seas and in other areas within national jurisdiction, especially effecting coastal rural populations in vulnerable areas
• IUU fishing may sometimes be associated with other crimes
• FAO is working closely with IMO, ILO and UNODC to counter IUU fishing and associated illicit activities

GET INVOLVED: Follow and share your commitment to Fight IUU fishing, and explore sharable materials on FAO's campaign kit.

World Soil Day 2023; December 5th.

FORUM:“Soil and Water: a source of life.” World Soil Day 2023. The campaign aim to raise awareness on the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agriood systems. WSD is a unique global platform that not only celebrates soils but also an occasion to empower and engage citizens around the world to improve soil health. Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link between soil and water. Over 95% of our food originates from these two fundamental resources. Soil and water are vital for nutrient absorption by plants, binds our ecosystems together. This symbiotic relationship is the foundation of our agricultural systems. However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life. Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Follow the conversations with the hashags: #worldSoilDay, #5December, #soilandwater, #soil.

EVENTS: On December 5th, from 12:30 – 14:00 CET at the Sheikh Zayed Center will be held a symposium to mark the Observance of World Soil Day 2023. Together, let’s pave the way for a future where soil and water are sustainably managed to continue to be the steadfast guardians of our environment and climate. Register to Participate and Get the Agenda Programe of the World Soil Day 2023 Ceremony. The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), during the COP28 in Dubai, Emirates Arab States will held a workshop entitled “Forests, Food, Carbon and Climate’’. Soil, often overlooked, is a strategic tool to improve climate resilience, food security, carbon capture and storage, and a highly biodiverse asset for all who walk upon it. Watch the FAO World Soil Day 2023 Live ceremony event!

STATEMENTS: Key messages World Soil Day 2023 (5 December) – Soil and water, a source of life.

Get the communication materials!

Sustainable agricultural management is of crucial importance for terrestrial ecosystem functioning in the face of changing climate. Small or big, we encourage you mark your agenda, alert your audience, contact your local, regional and global advocates and make use of the free campaign toolkit.

World Food Day 2023; October 16th.

 FORUM: "Water is Life -Water is food: Leave no one behind." World Food Day 2023.

The theme of this year's World Food Day centers on water, emphasizing its critical role in nutritious and healthy food. Sustainable water management for agriculture and food production is indispensable to ending hunger, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and preserving water for future generations. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #16october, #waterislife, #waterisfood, #Leavenoonebehind, #worldfoodday, #wateraction, #sdg2.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Food Day 2023; October 16th.

World Food Day 2023 comes during a global food crisis, with the world moving backwards on ending hunger and malnutrition.

Some 780 million people around the world are going hungry; almost fifty million children are at risk of death from severe wasting. Yet funding for this year's global humanitarian appeal stands at just 32 percent.

In our world of plenty, it is outrageous that a person dies of hunger every few seconds, while the World Food Programme has been forced to cut its essential aid programmes.

In 2015, after years of progress, Governments set the goal of zero hunger by 2030.

But eight years later, the number of people suffering from hunger has increased significantly.

This crisis demands action – first and foremost from national governments, which have a responsibility to make sure their people have enough to eat.

But many governments lack the resources to do so, and so effective international solidarity is also essential.

The long-term causes of the global food crisis include conflicts, climate extremes, inequality, and economic instability.

The UN system is addressing these root causes through our support for sustainable, equitable food systems that put people over profits.

That means massively scaling up investments in resilient agriculture, and aligning them with climate action.

It means leveraging science and technology to improve the efficiency and reach of food systems.

This year's theme for World Food Day focuses on water – a necessity for nutritious and healthy food.

The sustainable management of water for agriculture and food production is essential to end hunger, achieve the SDGs, and preserve water for future generations.

Zero hunger is achievable.

This World Food Day, I call on governments, the private sector, civil society and academia to work together;

to prioritize feeding the hungry;

to bring ending this crisis to the top of the global agenda;

and to invest in long-term solutions that provide everyone with enough to eat.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

EVENTS: The World Food Day 2023 will be held on October 16th at the FAO Headquaters in Rome.

The World Food Day 2023 Ceremony and Achievement Award will start at 10:00 AM Rome time; The World Food Forum grand opening will start at 14:00 PM Rome time. A dynamic launch event, uniting global leaders, innovators and activists, marks the beginning of the 2023 World Food Forum. Join us for inspiring speeches and performances as we ignite a movement to transform agrifood systems and accelerate climate action. A brighter future starts here. The Concert and Global Youth Forum opening will be held at 18:00 PM Rome time to celebrate the power of music as a catalyst for change while we kickstart the Global Youth Forum with the WFF's annual concert featuring young upcoming artists from around the globe.

WEBINARS: Join us at #TheHague or online on 18 October for a dialogue on how the Rule of Law can contribute to food systems transformation.

World Food Day 2023 Ceremony and Achievement Award.

We'll be kick-starting the World Food Day 2023 global events at FAO headquarters with the annual ceremony. The Heads of the Rome-based UN agencies and other special guests will be invited to attend the ceremony, which will feature special messages from Pope Francis and the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres and as well as the presentation of the FAO Achievement Award.

The World Food Day annual ceremony will see the participation of His Excellency Sergio Mattarella, President of the Republic of Italy, His Excellency Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, and Her Excellency Mariam Bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Cabinet Member, Minister for Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates. Special messages from Pope Francis and the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres will be delivered and they will be followed by the intervention of the Heads of the Rome-based UN agencies Mr Alvaro Lario, President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Ms Cindy Hensley McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP). The World Food Day ceremony will end with the presentation of the FAO Achievement Award. Watch the World Food Day 2023 Ceremony and Achievement Award.

Junior 2023 World Food Day.

Join us for a journey of inspiration filled with stories, music, art, the launch of the new music video and more. Influencers and renowned chefs like Max Mariola, Bela Gil, Fatmata Binta and Anahita Dhondy look forward to meeting young minds for an engaging, cross-cultural conversation guaranteed to inspire water action for food.  

After the success of previous editions, Junior World Food Day is back for another inspiring event. Special guests, including international food heroes and chefs, such as Rodrigo Pacheco, FAO National Goodwill Ambassador for Ecuador, Fatmata Binta, Anahita Dhondy, Bela Gil, Michael Haddad, Olivia Mandle, Max Mariola, as well as influencers and innovators from different parts of the world, will join young people for an inspiring conversation to learn concrete water-saving actions. There will be stories, music, art and dance, accompanied by a live performance of the 2023 youth music video by the multicultural Piccola Orchestra di Tor Pignattara and friends. Watch the Junior World Food Day!

Enter the world Food Day 2023 Poster Contest!

The entry period will begin at 12:00 (CEST) on 1 June 2023 and will close at 12:00 (CEST) on 3 November 2023. The 2023 World Food Day Poster contest competition is divided into the following categories: 5 to 8, 9 to 12, 13 to 15, and 16 to 19. Only one entry should be submitted per person.

IN FOCUS: Water is life, water is food - World Food Day 2023 will highlight how water is essential to life on Earth and the foundation of our food

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2023; September 29th.

FORUM: “Stop food loss and waste. For the people! For the planet!”. International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2023.

The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste makes a clear call to action to private, public entities and citizens to enhance the efficient use of natural resources, mitigate climate change, and support food security and nutrition by reducing food loss and waste. Accelerating the pace of actions to reduce Food Loss and Waste toward meeting the SDG 12.3 target, and the target set by the Global Biodiversity Framework for food waste reduction is a dire necessity to positively impact the pace of agrifood system transformation – with tangible benefits for people and planet. Follow the conversation with the hastags: #FLWday, #29September, #NotWasting, #Foodloss, #Foodwaste, #SDG12.

EVENTS: You are invited to participate to the Fourth Observance of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste under the theme "Stop food loss and waste. For the people! For the planet!"
Date; 29 september. 2023 

Time: 03:45 PM

Where: FAO Rome

FAO - UNEP -IBD Webinar: In Latin America and the Caribbean  - This year the day aims to promote the reduction of food losses and waste by raising awareness about the magnitude and importance of this phenomenon in social, environmental and financial matters, thus contributing to guaranteeing food security for all and reducing gas emissions. This event will bring together diverse voices in the region to promote a message of unity around the transformation of food systems, moving towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Date: September 29th, 2023

Time: 10:00 - 12:00 EST; 12:00 - 13:00 Chile; 9:00 -10:00 Mexico.

UNRIC FLWDay 2023 Event - In Brussels, Belgium,

In Brussels, Belgium, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the United Nations Environment Programme are delighted to invite you to the official celebration of the Day with the title “International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste: Stop food loss and waste.

Date: 29th September, 2023
Time: 12.30 PM to 1.30 PM
Location: BE-HERE, Rue Dieudonné Lefèvre 4, Bruxelles, 1020.

 For the people! For the planet!”. The event will take place at BE-HERE sustainable village on Friday 29 September 2023, from 12.30 to 1.30 PM followed by a networking moment with light lunch and drinks. The location of our event is the inspiring BE-HERE sustainable village that gives space to young Brussels-based entrepreneurs to develop their sustainable business, many of them in the agrifood sector, and putting a great emphasis on “closing the circle”.  We will enjoy the space, atmosphere and locally produced food and drinks, while getting informed about one of the major ecological challenges of our times. Registration – International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction 2023 event: “REACT, TAKE ACTION AND REDUCE”.

Participation in the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction event “REACT, TAKE ACTION AND REDUCE” on September  29th, 2023 in the Bigh FARM – Rue Ropsy Chaudron 24, Anderlecht – Brussels, Belgium. To participate Register here.

1. A “debate” on food waste with international personalities and representatives of Belgian civil society.
2. A special guided tour of the Brussels aquaponic farm “BIGH FARM”
3. A culinary demonstration with ‘recycled’ food and zero waste by the committed chef Isabelle ARPIN, followed by a friendly drink and a unique tasting session.
4. Screening of the food-related fiction film co-funded by the EU “La Brigade” with François Cluzet and Audrey Lamy.

CAMPAIGN: Make not wasting a way of life. We all have a role to play! Together we can make a difference.

World Food Safety Day 2023; June 7th.

 FORUM: "Food Standards saves lives." World Food Safety Day 2023.

Food safety saves lives. It is not only a crucial component to food security, but it also plays a vital role in reducing foodborne disease. Every year, 600 million people fall sick as a result of around 200 different types of foodborne illness. The burden of such illness falls most heavily on the poor and on the young. In addition, foodborne illness is responsible for 420 000 preventable deaths every year.

World Food Safety Day is an important way of:

• making people aware of food safety issues
• demonstrating how to prevent illness through food safety
• discussing collaborative approaches to improved food safety across sectors
• promoting solutions and ways of being more food safe

When you eat, how do you know your food is safe? You have probably washed your hands, cleaned your kitchenware and cooked your food to the right temperature, all good food safety practices. You have probably read food packaging labels to see what ingredients the product contains or how to cook it. And perhaps without realizing it, you have trusted everyone involved in growing, processing, packaging, distributing and preparing your food in the right way so that you can enjoy it without falling ill. Your food was safe and your trust justified because the people involved in making your food - whether close to your home or on the other side of the world - followed established food safety practices, which are transparently available in the form of standards. In other words, food standards form the bedrock of trust for all of us. 

Food standards are a way of ensuring safety and quality. They provide guidance on hygienic food handling for farmers and processors. They define the maximum levels of additives, contaminants, residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs that can safely be consumed by all. Furthermore, standards specify how the food should be measured, packaged and transported to keep it safe. Thanks to the application of standards on things like nutrition and allergen labelling, consumers can know whether the food will be good for them. 

Most governments and organizations adopt and enforce food standards that are based on scientific risk assessments, covering hazards that are biological, chemical and physical in nature. The standards can be developed by individual governments or organizations, or by regional or intergovernmental standard-setting bodies. One such international food safety and quality standard-setting body is the Codex Alimentarius Commission, or Codex for short. Codex is the place where representatives of 188 Member Countries and 1 Member Organization (the European Union) work together to make sure food is safe. 

Codex operates with a mandate to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade. Technical committees work to develop texts for standards, guidelines and codes of practice in a transparent and inclusive manner. Underpinned by scientific advice from global expert groups led by FAO and WHO, the texts are developed with input from 243 observer organizations, including industry and consumer associations. 

Used by governments and the food industry, Codex standards guide national food safety legislation and ensure best practices. The World Trade Organization also uses Codex standards as benchmarks. If your food comes from abroad, it has to meet these standards. 

Codex standards are at the heart of food safety. They have been for six decades. Each year the ‘food code’ grows – new standards are introduced and existing standards are updated when new data becomes available. In 2023, as Codex turns 60, we celebrate food standards for defining the path to safe food for everyone every

KEY MESSAGES

There is no food security without food safety -  Food safety is an essential part of food security. Only when food is safe can it meet nutritional needs and help adults to live an active and healthy life and children to grow and develop. 

Food safety has a direct impact on health -  Safe food allows for the uptake of nutrients, promotes long-term human development and achievement of several of the SDGs. Food safety is a shared responsibility, involving the whole supply chain, from producers to consumers. In this context, most foodborne disease is preventable with proper food handling and education at all levels. 

Science is key to sound food safety management - Monitoring and surveillance and other data collection efforts followed by its assessment together with scientific research ensures that we have the knowledge and information to develop the expert scientific advice needed to maintain safe food despite changes to the production environment, processing technology and consumer habits. 

Food safety impacts positively on economies and livelihoods - By ensuring their commodities meet food standards, producers and food traders gain the confidence of their market and secure their income. Unsafe food in trade can lead to export bans and destroy businesses, but governments can help protect the livelihoods of food workers by establishing a robust food control system and rigorous export controls.

Food standards protect consumers - When food safety standards are applied consumers will be protected by the efforts that have been undertaken in making sure that the food they consume is safer. Food safety standards provide the common basis for understanding and, at the same time, the common basis for joint action to ensure that all of us can benefit from safe food. 

Food standards help producers - Implementing standards, guidelines and codes of practice along the food supply chain ensures that food is safe and nutritious when it reaches the consumer, contributing to consumer confidence in the products. Governments, producers, processors and retailers all play a part in ensuring food standards are met. The international food safety standards of the Codex Alimentarius facilitate fair practices in international trade.

 Science underpins food standards - Food standards help to ensure food is safe. They are established following expert advice from food scientists, microbiologists, veterinarians, medical doctors and toxicologists, to name a few. They advise policymakers what food production, processing, handling and preparation practices are needed to make food safe. 

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

EVENTS

 On June 7th, The FAO will held a webinar to mark World Food Safety Day 2023. under the theme "Food Standards saves lives.".

Upcoming Events:
- 07 June 2023

World Food Safety Day awareness raising planned at Agro-industrial Technical Institute in France
France

- 07 June 2023

Hospital caterers in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to convene for World Food Safety Day;

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

- 07 June 2023

Denmark’s Food Nation to celebrate World Food Safety Day in online event
Denmark

- 07 June 2023

Bangladesh Food Safety Foundation to join with organizations for joint World Food Safety Day event
Bangladesh

ACTIONS

Promoting food safety makes a difference. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of policymakers, food safety authorities, farmers, food business operators, cooks, scientists, teachers, students and consumers, awareness about food safety is increasing. The four observances of World Food Safety Day so far have seen growth in the number, impact and level of engagement of activities held. Everyone can take an active role in preventing foodborne illness, and World Food Safety Day offers an opportunity to celebrate. 

If you work for a government, you might be involved in ensuring that food control systems are fit for purpose, in developing international food safety and quality standards or in ensuring that government policies include standards aimed at safeguarding your nation’s food supply. You might also be involved in making sure that consumers and food industry workers are aware of the rules and regulations in place, and of the dangers of neglecting food safety standards. You will probably also be involved in encouraging multisectoral collaboration within the food control system, and in promoting dialogue along the food supply chains to ensure good practices are upheld from the field to the table. You may very well be involved in showcasing how the government protects consumers through its policymaking and standardsetting activities and how it ensures access to safe food through support programmes such as school meals, food aid or publicly owned food outlets. 

If you work in a food business or food shop, you will definitely be responsible for ensuring food is safe. Whether you define the food safety and quality standards of your organization, implement the quality and safety standards required by national authorities or communicate food safety messages to staff, food safety and consumer protection are in your hands. Communication by food businesses is key and both staff and customers benefit from knowing about and understanding how food stays safe, both at the production stage and once it has been purchased. 

But food safety is an important factor in any workplace. Any place of work needs to ensure that staff can eat safe and healthy meals while at work. This means setting the policies to ensure safety standards are being implemented and followed, ensuring access to handwashing facilities, clean places to eat and appropriate storage facilities for food. At school or college, young people need to be taught about food safety and hygienic practices. 

We all need food that is safe. There are things you can and must do when you buy, store, cook and eat food to make sure that food stays safe. World Food Safety Day is an opportunity to learn and do more about food safety and share the message with others. 

Get the Communication materials, the Guide to World Food Safety Day 2023 and Use it to spark ideas for your participation on (or around) 7 June 2023. To let us know about your event or ask a question, email us at World-Food-Safety-Day@fao.org and Foodsafety@who.int

World Food Day 2022; October 16th.

FORUM: " Leave no one Behind.'' World Food Day 2022.

Although we have made progress towards building a better world, too many people have been left behind. People who are unable to benefit from human development, innovation or economic growth. In fact, millions of people around the world cannot afford a healthy diet, putting them at high risk of food insecurity and malnutrition. But ending hunger isn’t only about supply. Enough food is produced today to feed everyone on the planet. 

Worldwide, more than 80 percent of the extreme poor live in rural areas and many rely on agriculture and natural resources for their living. They are usually the hardest hit by natural and man-made disasters and often marginalized due to their gender, ethnic origin, or status. It is a struggle for them to gain access to training, finance, innovation and technologies. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldFoodDay, #16october, #Leavenoonebehind, #FutureofFood.

The problem is access and availability of nutritious food, which is increasingly impeded by multiple challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, climate change, inequality, rising prices and international tensions. People around the world are suffering the domino effects of challenges that know no borders.

STATEMENTS

Statement from the FAO Director-General on World Food Day 2022; October 16th.

EVENT: Join us as we mark the 2022 World Food Day Ceremony. Meet #FoodHeroes, get inspired by their stories & celebrate the winner of FAO's first-ever Achievement Award.

When: 14 October, 2022. Time: 10:00 CEST. Our actions are our future!

Sujet

World Food Day 2022 Global Events

Description

World Food Day 2022 Global Ceremony with FAO Achievement Award
10:00 - 11:00 CEST

Intergenerational Dialogue
11:00 - 12:00 CEST

Junior World Food Day 2022
14:00 – 15:30 CEST

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS

No one should be left behind.

From governments to private companies, civil society, academia, and individuals, including youth, we all need to be part of the change. Our actions are our future!

A sustainable world is one where everyone counts.

Governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society and individuals need to work together in solidarity to prioritize the right of all people to food, nutrition, peace and equality. Indeed, every one of us, including youth, can work towards an inclusive and sustainable future, showing greater empathy and kindness in our actions.

Bridge the gap between people & the food they eat, so they understand the real cost of food.

In the face of global crises, global solutions are needed more than ever. As individuals, we can play an important role in ensuring that no one is left behind. We must all be the change. Share this thread to help spread the word!

International Day of Plant Health 2022; May 12nd.

FORUM: Protecting Plant; Protecting Life. International Day of Plant Health 2022.

The Observance helps highlight issue of plant pests and diseases responsible for the loss of up to 40 percent of food crops, worsening hunger Join the conversation #PlantHealthDay.

FAO estimates that plant pests and diseases cause food crop losses of up to 40 percent, and the damage they cause to agriculture exacerbates the existing issue of growing world hunger and threatens rural livelihoods. Protecting plants from pests and diseases is far more cost effective than dealing with plant health emergencies. Once established, plant pests and diseases are often impossible to eradicate, and managing them is time consuming and expensive.

“Sustaining plant health promotes food security and nutrition while protecting the environment and biodiversity, and boosting livelihoods and economic growth, in the context of global challenges, particularly climate change,” said Jingyuan Xia, Director of FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Division.

“Making the general public more aware of the role of plant health and the ways we need to act urgently to curb the risks of plant pests and diseases, as well as understanding how to restrict the spread of invasive pests will make a significant contribution to global food security,” said Osama El-Lissy, Secretary of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

VIRTUAL EVENT- 12 May, 13:30 - 15:30 CET; Register to participate, get the IDPH2022 Programme.

Get Involved!

Whether you’re a government, city, private business, NGO, journalist, a civil society organization or individual, we can provide you with a range of multimedia content in several languages to share, and to support the International Plant Health Day activities. 

Contact IDPH@fao.org

IYF2011 -- Eduardo Rojas-Briales, Assistant Director-General, FD, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

International Year of Forests (Forests 2011) — Eduardo Rojas-Briales

03 October 2011

International Year of Forests (Forests 2011) -- Eduardo Rojas-Briales, Assistant Director-General, FD, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), message

For more information, please visit www.un.org/forests