The United Nations (UN’s) World Food Safety Day (WFSD) is annually observed across the globe on June 7 to promote global efforts to ensure safe food, raise public awareness about food safety, and reduce foodborne diseases worldwide.
- June 7, 2025, marks the 7th observance of World Food Safety Day.
- WFSD is jointly facilitated by Rome (Italy) based United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) and Geneva (Switzerland) based World Health Organization (WHO).
2025 Theme:
The theme for WFSD 2025 is “Food safety: science in action”.
- This theme underscores the vital role of scientific approaches in protecting consumers and building trust in the food supply chain.
Background:
i.In July 2017, the 40th Session of the FAO Conference adopted a resolution supporting the establishment of WFSD. In December 2017, the WHO expressed its support for this initiative.
ii.On 20 December 2018, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/73/250, proclaiming 7 June as World Food Safety Day.
iii.The inaugural WFSD was observed on 7 June 2019.
iv.On 3 August 2020, the World Health Assembly (WHA) passed resolution WHA73.5, recognizing WFSD.
Significance of Safe Food:
Access to safe food is fundamental for sustaining life and promoting good health. Foodborne illnesses, often caused by invisible threats like bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical contaminants in food or water, pose a significant global health risk.
The Role of INFOSAN:
Created by FAO and WHO in 2004, the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) is a global network designed to facilitate rapid information exchange across borders during food safety incidents.
- Currently, INFOSAN connects 189 countries, with members from national food safety authorities, and is managed jointly by FAO and WHO.
Global Burden of Unsafe Food:
i.600 million people fall ill each year due to foodborne diseases (approximately 1 in 10 people globally).
ii.An estimated 420,000 people die annually after consuming contaminated food.
iii.Children under 5 years of age bear 40% of the foodborne disease burden, resulting in 125,000 deaths every year.
iv.More than 200 diseases ranging from diarrhea to cancers are caused by unsafe food.
v.On average, 1,600,000 people get sick every day due to unsafe food.
vi.The economic burden of foodborne diseases (due to lost productivity and medical expenses) exceeds USD 110 billion annually in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
India’s Regulatory Framework and Initiatives:
i.India has implemented the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, providing the legal foundation for food safety. Under this Act, food businesses must obtain licenses, undergo inspections, and comply with hygiene regulations.
ii.The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), based in New Delhi (Delhi), runs initiatives like the “Eat Right India” movement that support the goals of WFSD and national programs like the Swachh Bharat Mission to promote hygiene, healthy eating, and food safety.
2025 Events in India:
On June 7, 2025, the FSSAI organized an event at NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences), Bengaluru, Karnataka.
i.The event focuses on “Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy,” aligning with Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi’s call to address obesity and non-communicable diseases through preventive strategies and traditional dietary practices.
ii.The event featured the launch of a national awareness initiative against obesity and the ‘Eat Right Activity Book – Your Guide to Eat Right at School’, a resource under the Eat Right School program aimed at educating school children on safe and healthy food choices.
About United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO):
Director General (DG) – Qu Dongyu (China)
Headquarters – Rome, Italy
Established – 1945
