Lois Otse Adams
Today marks the annual observance of World Food Safety Day, a significant occasion held on June 7th. Established in 2011 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), this day serves to heighten consciousness regarding the paramountcy of food safety and to advocate for secure practices across the entire food supply chain.
Food safety, in essence, pertains to the mitigation of foodborne illnesses, which arise from the consumption of contaminated food. Throughout the entirety of the food supply chain, encompassing production, processing, storage, and preparation, the potential for food contamination persists.
The significance of upholding food safety standards should not be understated. Foodborne illnesses present a formidable global issue, impacting millions of individuals annually. These maladies manifest through a range of distressing symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, foodborne illnesses can necessitate hospitalization or, tragically, result in loss of life.
Moreover, food safety carries considerable economic ramifications. The estimated annual cost of foodborne illnesses worldwide amounts to a staggering $100 billion. This encompasses expenses related to medical treatment, diminished productivity, and food wastage.
Efforts to enhance food safety encompass a multitude of strategies, including the following:
Exemplary hygiene practices: Food handlers must scrupulously cleanse their hands both prior to and following the handling of food. Additionally, the utilization of clean gloves during food handling is imperative.
Adequate cooking: Food ought to be cooked to the appropriate temperature to effectively eliminate harmful bacteria.
Proper storage: Food must be stored under optimal conditions to deter the proliferation of detrimental bacteria.
Prudent handling: Food should be handled judiciously to minimize the risk of contamination.
World Food Safety Day furnishes an occasion to foster consciousness regarding the vital nature of food safety and to propagate secure practices within the entirety of the food supply chain. Through collaborative endeavours, we can proactively forestall foodborne illnesses and safeguard our well-being.
Today is a wake up call for various authorities like The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) to realign prioritize, and to ensure safety food for Nigerians.
