June 7th is globally recognized as World Food Safety Day. The United Nations General Assembly established it in December 2018. This seeks to draw attention to and inspire action to help prevent, detect, and manage food-borne risks, ensuring food security for all.
Food Safety: Prepare For The Unexpected.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) commemorate this day, with This year’s theme being Food Safety: Prepare For The Unexpected.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) one in ten people fall ill from contaminated food annually. Over 200+ diseases are caused with food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances. Children under 5 years are at higher risk of malnutrition and mortality due to unsafe food.
In Kenya, The National Food Safety Policy is governed through the Ministry of Livestock and Agriculture. The policy sheds light on Consumer Protection, Regular Framework, Public Awareness and Research and Framework. Bodies such as The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) further ensure food safety by enhancing the right quality standards for food products.
Prevalence of Undernourishment
A research done by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) approximately 134.6 Million people in Eastern Africa are categorized under the Prevalence of Undernourishment – PoU. The Prevalence of Undernourishment is a measure of the percentage of the population whose dietary energy intake is insufficient to meet the minimum energy requirements necessary to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. This metric is used to assess food insecurity and hunger in a population and is a key indicator in tracking progress toward achieving food security and nutrition goals globally.
The Prevalence of Undernourishment is a measure of the percentage of the population whose dietary energy intake is insufficient to meet the minimum energy requirements necessary to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Raising Awareness is a major factor since it promotes food safety practices, which goes hand in hand with Consumer Protection. Kenya ranks at 90th position out of 125 countries in Global hunger : proving the country’s hunger issues stern. (Data sourced from Global Hunger Index)
This is why food safety is relevant to you:
- Prevents foodborne illness
- Enables healthy diets
- Safe food production and preparation
- Facilitates trade
- Reduces food loss and waste
Food safety and security is in compliance to the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs : Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Clean Water and Sanitation, Decent work & Economic growth and Life on Land.Â
World Food Safety Day, Day 2024 – Food Safety : Preparing for the Unexpected.Â
