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Geneva: On World Food Safety Day 2025, the UN reaffirms that food safety is a universal right and a shared responsibility, highlighting the vital roles individuals, institutions, and governments must play to safeguard the global food supply.
This year’s theme, ‘Food Safety: Science in Action,’ emphasizes the crucial role of science in protecting consumers, enabling informed decisions, and building public trust in the food we eat.
Science is fundamental in identifying foodborne risks, understanding the causes of food contamination, and formulating strategies to prevent foodborne diseases. It is central to reducing illnesses, saving lives, and cutting the economic costs associated with unsafe food.
The annual observance, facilitated globally by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), serves as a platform to advocate for safe food practices through education, collaboration, and innovation.
According to UN statistics, food can become contaminated by bacteria, chemicals, fungi, or parasites, which can lead to over 200 different illnesses. These diseases pose serious threats to health, economic productivity, education, and livelihoods, but are largely preventable with the right knowledge and practices.
Each year, 600 million people fall ill from foodborne illnesses, and the cost of treating these illnesses is around USD 15 billion. In low- and middle-income countries, the broader economic burden is even higher, over USD 110 billion annually, mainly due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses.
The UN is calling on governments to adopt science-based policies that address both known and emerging risks, enhance data collection and sharing, invest in research and education, and equip young people with scientific knowledge and skills that can shape future food safety standards.
Image Credits: United Nations | Cropped by ET
Food businesses are urged to implement evidence-based safety protocols, educate employees on evolving risks, support government data initiatives, and strengthen safety practices throughout handling, processing, and storage operations.
WHO’s five keys to safer food
Consumers also play a crucial role in food safety. They are urged to follow the WHO’s Five Keys to Safer Food: keep clean; separate raw and cooked foods; cook thoroughly; keep food at safe temperatures; and use safe water and raw materials. Staying informed through updates from national food safety authorities is equally important.
Academics and research institutions are encouraged to conduct and share scientific studies on food safety risks and trends. They can help influence policymaking and public awareness through training and education initiatives that highlight the importance of science-based approaches to food safety.
Schools are being called upon to teach food safety basics, include food hygiene in the curriculum, engage students through interactive learning, and cultivate interest in science. Students can play an active role in developing good food safety practices within their schools and communities.
By celebrating World Food Safety Day 2025, the United Nations aims to promote global awareness that science-backed collaboration is the key to safer food systems. With everyone, governments, businesses, consumers, educators, and students, doing their part, the path to safe and trusted food is not only possible but within reach.
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