The United Nations marks the sixth World Food Safety Day today, with the theme “Prepare for the Unexpected,” emphasizing the importance of safeguarding food at every stage from production to consumption. This global event, jointly facilitated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), aims to raise awareness about food safety and mobilize actions to prevent food contamination and foodborne illnesses.
The Eastern Mediterranean Region’s Struggle
The Eastern Mediterranean Region faces a significant burden of foodborne diseases. According to WHO estimates from 2015, around 100 million people in this region suffer from foodborne illnesses each year, with 32 million of those cases involving children under five years old. Diarrheal diseases caused by pathogens account for 70% of this burden, with approximately 37,000 deaths annually due to unsafe food, mainly from diarrheal diseases, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, and brucellosis.
Broader Food Safety Challenges
Food safety concerns extend beyond pathogens to include natural toxins and synthetic chemicals, which can cause severe noncommunicable diseases like cancer, organ failure, and reproductive and developmental impairments. Climate change-related events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and flooding, exacerbate these challenges by increasing the transmission of zoonotic diseases and disrupting food safety controls. Humanitarian crises and political instability further restrict access to safe food, water, and sanitation, particularly affecting the most vulnerable populations.
International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN)
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN). Managed by WHO and FAO, INFOSAN facilitates the rapid exchange of information on food safety events across borders, enabling timely risk management measures to prevent foodborne illnesses and save lives.
Global and Regional Efforts
Food safety incidents can quickly escalate from local issues to global emergencies, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to tackle these challenges. Disruptions in food controls and supply chains due to power outages or conflicts can lead to widespread food safety emergencies. Therefore, it is crucial for governments, food businesses, and consumers to work together to ensure food safety and protect public health.
The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean continues to support countries in building robust national food control systems and promoting safe food handling practices. These efforts align with the global targets set out in the WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022–2030, aiming for significant progress by 2030.
A Call to Action
World Food Safety Day Day serves as a powerful reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility. By preparing for the unexpected and implementing effective safety measures, we can protect public health, enhance food security, and promote sustainable development worldwide.
