Dubai: On the eve of World Food Safety Day, the United Nations underscores the significance of food safety as a shared right and responsibility, emphasizing the crucial role of science in making informed food-related decisions. This year's theme, 'Food Safety: Science in Action,' focuses on the vital contribution of scientific knowledge in safeguarding consumers and fostering trust in the food we consume. It recognizes science as the cornerstone of food safety, providing insights into what renders food unsafe and offering guidance on preventing food-borne diseases. The theme for World Food Safety Day on 7 June 2025 highlights the pivotal role of scientific knowledge in reducing illness, cutting costs, and saving lives.
According to Emirates News Agency, UN statistics reveal that food contamination can arise from various hazards, including bacteria, chemicals, fungi, or parasites, leading to over 200 different diseases. These illnesses have wide-ranging impacts on health, livelihoods, education, and economies but can be prevented with informed actions. Annually, 600 million people fall ill due to food-borne diseases, with treatment costs estimated at USD 15 billion. In low- and middle-income countries, the economic burden of foodborne diseases surpasses USD 110 billion annually due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses.
The UN urges governments to champion science-based policies to ensure food safety and address emerging risks, improve data collection and sharing for regular scientific reviews, invest in research and education to guide evidence-based policies, and empower young people with scientific knowledge and skills. Food businesses are called upon to strengthen employee training on the latest food safety practices, support data collection to improve food safety practices and risk management, and implement evidence-based measures for safe food handling, processing, and storage.
Consumers are encouraged to practice safe food handling at home, adhering to WHO's Five Keys to Safer Food: keep clean, separate raw and cooked, cook thoroughly, maintain safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials. Staying informed through national food safety advice is also emphasized.
Academics are urged to conduct and share research on food safety, including known and emerging risks, and disseminate findings to inform policy and the public. They should also provide education and training to governments and the food industry on the latest food safety practices and the importance of sound scientific research to prevent food-borne illnesses.
Schools are encouraged to incorporate food safety education into curricula, teaching students about safe food handling and hygiene. Creative activities and student involvement in developing good practices in schools are recommended to make food safety education engaging and to foster an interest in science.
