World Food Safety Day

Food safety isn’t just for scientists or chefs. It’s for all of us – every bite, every day.

Why World Food Safety Day Matters

World Food Safety Day, celebrated every year on 7 June, shines a spotlight on something most of us take for granted—the safety of the food we eat. Whether it’s a quick lunch at your desk or a homemade meal shared with friends, food safety underpins it all.

And let’s be honest, we rarely think about it unless something goes wrong. But here’s the reality: unsafe food leads to foodborne illnesses, which can be devastating—especially for children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. That’s why this year’s theme, “Food safety: science in action,” feels so right. It reminds us that safety isn’t accidental—it’s intentional, built on knowledge, care, and action.

The Story Behind It

Back in 2018, the UN General Assembly recognised the urgency of making food safety a global conversation. They adopted resolution 73/250, and by 2019, World Food Safety Day became official. Since then, it’s been a yearly reminder that food safety is everyone’s business.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) took up the baton, encouraging countries, companies, and individuals to get involved. Whether you’re running a café or just packing your child’s school lunch, food safety is in your hands.

Even the World Health Assembly got behind it in 2020, reinforcing that safe food is essential—not just for health, but for economic stability and sustainable development.

The Bigger Picture

You might be surprised to learn that over 600 million people fall ill each year from contaminated food. That’s nearly 1 in 10 of us globally. And for 420,000 of those people, the outcome is fatal. It’s sobering, isn’t it?

Beyond the human toll, the economic costs are enormous. Healthcare expenses, productivity losses, trade barriers—it all adds up. Countries lose billions annually because of poor food safety. This isn’t a niche concern; it’s a global challenge that affects how we live, work, and eat.

And this is where science steps in—not as a distant, complicated thing, but as a quiet hero behind every safe salad, every well-cooked chicken, and every regulation that keeps harmful bacteria at bay.

What Food Safety Really Means

Let’s make it real. Imagine your mate invites you over for dinner. You dig in—everything looks and tastes brilliant. But if that chicken wasn’t stored at the right temperature? You could be in for a rough few days.

Food safety is about the basics:

• Washing your hands and surfaces regularly
• Keeping raw and cooked foods separate
• Cooking food to safe temperatures
• Storing food properly—cold things cold, hot things hot
• Choosing clean water and fresh ingredients

It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked. And when systems fail, especially at large-scale operations, the impact can be huge.

The Role of Science in Action

Now, you might not be running lab tests in your kitchen, but someone is. From microbiologists tracking pathogens to food engineers designing better packaging, science is quietly keeping us safe.

Regulations, safety protocols, even those “use by” dates you check—they’re all rooted in data. Food safety isn’t guesswork; it’s evidence-based, backed by testing, research, and continuous learning.

And during global health scares (remember the listeria outbreaks?), science is what guides the response—quickly identifying the source, containing the spread, and updating policies.

It’s a Team Effort

Food safety doesn’t stop at your fridge. It involves farmers, processors, distributors, shopkeepers, chefs, and yes—you and me. That’s the power of global collaboration.

Countries are sharing strategies. Businesses are adopting stricter standards. Communities are spreading awareness. And you—just by learning about it—are already part of that network.

So whether it’s a big decision like sourcing ethically, or a small one like wiping down your chopping board after raw meat, it all counts.

How You Can Celebrate World Food Safety Day

This day isn’t just about policies and papers. It’s about getting involved, raising awareness, and sparking conversations. Here’s how you can make it count:

Host a Mini Workshop

Why not gather your friends or neighbours and share tips on safe food storage or cooking? You could even team up with a local school or community centre. Keep it fun, hands-on, and relatable.

Spread the Word Online

Use your social channels to post quick food safety facts. Share a photo of your well-organised fridge with the hashtag #WorldFoodSafetyDay. You’d be surprised how many people learn from simple visuals.

Partner with a Local Business

Got a favourite café? Ask if they’re planning anything for 7 June. Maybe they’d display a poster or offer a food safety checklist with orders. Small steps make a big difference.

Lead by Example

Sometimes the quietest acts have the loudest impact. Cook safely. Share your knowledge. Be the friend who says, “Let’s check the temperature on that meat.”

Thoughtful Gifts for World Food Safety Day

Yes, really—gifting can be part of food safety awareness. Whether you’re a foodie or know someone who is, these thoughtful ideas are both practical and meaningful:

Educational Goodies

Give your best mate a safe cooking guidebook or infographic poster for the kitchen. It’s a brilliant way to start the conversation, and it’s surprisingly eye-catching when designed well.

Tools of the Trade

A food thermometer, a set of sanitising kitchen cloths, or even storage containers with date labels can be life-changing for home cooks.

Hampers With a Twist

Why not create a healthy food basket that celebrates safe sourcing and preparation? Think sealed snacks, long-life healthy items, and a little recipe card tucked inside.

All of these gifts say: “I care about your health—and your next meal.”

(And if you’re looking for more unique ideas, our Perfect Food Gift Basket section is packed with inspiration for every occasion.)

Looking Ahead

World Food Safety Day isn’t the end of the conversation. If anything, it’s just the beginning.

Emerging Issues

With climate change, urbanisation, and globalised food systems, new food safety challenges are emerging. Think antibiotic resistance in livestock, new pathogens, and shifting weather patterns that affect storage and transport.

Future themes may explore how we protect food in uncertain times, how we build resilient supply chains, and how we educate the next generation to carry the torch.

Action Plans and Policies

Governments are now creating local action plans to strengthen inspection systems, improve training, and boost public awareness. If you’re involved in education, business, or even content creation—your voice matters.

Keep the Conversation Going

One article a year won’t cut it. Food safety needs to be a regular feature in our chats, our schools, and yes—even our group texts. The more normal we make it, the safer everyone becomes.

Wrapping It Up

World Food Safety Day isn’t just a calendar date. It’s a reminder that science, habits, and small actions can prevent serious harm. It’s about protecting what we eat, how we live, and who we share our meals with.

I’ll be honest—before diving into this, I didn’t think much about the temperature in my fridge. Or how I stored leftovers. But now? I’m paying attention. And I hope you are too.

Because when it comes to food safety, we’re all in this together. And every safe meal we prepare, every good habit we share—it matters.

Here’s to science in action. And here’s to making every bite a safe one.