Pay attention to food safety to avoid illnesses

Food safety is essential because it protects public health by preventing foodborne illnesses, which affect millions of people globally.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that foodborne illness should never occur since it is always preventable.

According to WHO, despite being mostly preventable, foodborne infections continue to be a significant global burden, accounting for at least 200 ailments that have an impact on health, livelihoods, education, and economies.

Estimates from the United Nations (UN), indicate that contaminated food is a serious global public health concern that results in 1.5 million fatalities and 866 million illnesses annually.

World Food Safety Day (WFSD) is celebrated annually on June 7. It was created by the UN and emphasises how governments, food producers, and consumers all have a part to play in avoiding, identifying, and controlling foodborne hazards.

This year’s theme for WFSD, “From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere,” emphasises how information on sickness, its burden, and lost lives can direct action toward targeted and affordable solutions.

People eat food from a variety of places, including their homes, markets, restaurants, roadside eateries, schools and office canteens. A combination of foods may occasionally have an impact on some individuals but not others. It is said that “one man’s meat is another man’s poison.” 

Many have experienced severe health issues as a result of eating contaminated food without realising it. In some situations, this has resulted in food poisoning, and in other circumstances, it has caused fatalities.

These risks could be biological in nature, where foodborne illnesses are caused by living microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Also, cleaning products, herbicides, hazardous metals, and food additives can occasionally contaminate food.

Foreign materials including glass, metal pieces, plastic, hair, or bandages have occasionally been unintentionally put to food and caused damage.

In sensitive people, proteins including wheat, dairy, shellfish, and peanuts can potentially trigger severe allergic reactions.

The Spectator hopes that raising public awareness of the importance of adhering to fundamental food safety regulations, such as washing hands, sanitising surfaces, separating raw and cooked foods, and practising excellent personal hygiene, is crucial during this rainy season.

Food handling should also be done carefully, whether it is for regular meals at home or for a big gathering or event.

According to food science experts, contamination can be avoided by heating food to the right internal temperature and refrigerating perishable items. Accurately labelling and storing chemicals away from food is a crucial step in preventing food contamination.

To guarantee that individuals eat a safety-free diet, government must improve food control systems, surveillance networks, and public health regulations.