World Food Safety Day

World Food Safety Day History

World Food Safety Day is an annual, global observance that aims to raise awareness about the importance of safe and nutritious food in promoting a healthy and sustainable future for all. Through discussions, campaigns, and various activities, this observance strives to facilitate a culture of food safety, stress the need for robust, effective food control systems, and emphasize the shared responsibility among governments, producers, and consumers to ensure food safety. The Observance ultimately seeks to avert foodborne illnesses and reduce food losses, contributing towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Initially proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the first World Food Safety Day was observed in 2019. South Africa, being a country blessed with rich agricultural resources and diverse food traditions, still faces challenges such as foodborne illnesses, malnutrition, and the vulnerability of its food supply chains. Observing this day in South Africa is crucial in addressing these issues and strengthening food control systems within the country. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and responsible food consumption in ensuring safety throughout the food supply chain.

In South Africa, various activities and events are held to mark this observance. These may include workshops and seminars for food safety professionals, community outreach programs promoting food hygiene practices, and various information campaigns targeting consumers, schools, and producers. Additionally, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector collaborate to organize events tailored to the local context, addressing the country's specific food safety needs. World Food Safety Day is commemorated annually on the 7th of June, and its celebration in South Africa serves as a constant reminder of the importance of safe, healthy, and nutritious food for everyone.

World Food Safety Day facts

• The "Danger Zone" for food is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), as this range allows bacteria to grow rapidly. It is important to keep perishable foods below 40°F (4°C) or above 140°F (60°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
• According to the World Health Organization, about 600 million people around the world fall ill after eating contaminated food each year.
• Unsafe food is responsible for more than 200 diseases because of the harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances it can contain.
• South Africa faces a significant burden of foodborne diseases, with about 10% of the population suffering from food poisoning each year. According to the National Department of Health, the country estimated 3 million cases of foodborne illness annually, resulting in 5,000 deaths.
• South Africa experienced the world's largest listeriosis outbreak between 2017 and 2018, with over 1,000 confirmed cases and around 200 deaths. The source of the outbreak was traced back to contaminated processed meat products.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Food Safety Day

Top things to do in South Africa for World Food Safety Day

• Watch the 2021 World Food Safety Day video.
• Learn more about food safety.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about food safety and the food industry in South Africa. Here are our suggestions:
  1. Food For Thought: South Africa's Food Safety Legislation (2014) - This short documentary, produced by the Centre for Environmental Rights, explores the current state of food safety legislation in South Africa.
  2. The Business of Food Safety in South Africa (2018) - A video by the South African Environmental Health Practitioners on food safety regulations and their impact on small businesses.
  3. Street Food: South Africa (2019) - Netflix's Street Food series highlights the diverse and delicious street food culture in various countries across the globe. The South African episode focuses on the culinary offerings of Cape Town but also addresses food safety concerns in street food.
• What are popular food dishes or drinks to make for the occasion of World Food Safety Day in South Africa?
  1. Bobotie- A traditional South African dish made with minced meat, egg, milk and various spices, served with yellow rice.
  2. Bunny Chow- A South African dish that consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with vegetables, beans, or meat.
  3. Biltong- A dried and cured meat snack made from beef fillet.