World Food Safety Day, regardless of language, aims to encourage action worldwide to prevent, detect and manage foodborne diseases.
According to the World Health Organization, 600 million people are affected by foodborne illnesses each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 420,000 people died from diseases such as salmonella or E.coliinfection in 2010. A third of these deaths were children under five years old WHO estimates that unsafe food causes the loss of 33 million years of health each year. This number is an underestimate.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other public health agencies work on a national and global scale to lower these numbers.
Global Food Safety Standards
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization 1963 established the Codex Alimentarius. It is also known as the “Food Code.” This international standard-setting body promotes fair food trade and protects consumers’ health through science-based voluntary international guidelines and codes of practice. The U.S. Codex Office works with stakeholders to develop and advance science-based food standards that benefit the United States and the global community. Find out more about the U.S. Codex Office. Codex Program.
Food Safety
Our nation depends on the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to combat foodborne illnesses.
FSIS ensures the safety, health, and proper packaging of the nation’s meat, poultry, or egg products.
FDA ensures that all foods, except those regulated under FSIS, are safe, healthy, and properly labeled.
The CDC collects data about foodborne diseases, investigates outbreaks, and monitors the effectiveness and prevention of foodborne illnesses. FSIS and FDA collaborate closely with CDC to combat foodborne illness outbreaks.
Safety starts with you
Codex, FSIS, FDA, and the CDC work together to ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. You play an essential part in food safety! When handling food, ensure your family is safe by following the four steps: clean, separate and cook, then chill.
