Each year, on June 7th, the world comes together to commemorate World Food Safety Day, which underlines the importance of safe food to public health. The global day, which is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is specifically designed to create awareness on the danger of unsafe food and campaign against practices that sidestep foodborne illness.
In the new generation of the present times, with packed food, street food, and processed food being the center of attraction of our plate, food safety has never been more important. Inadequate handling of food in an unhygienic manner, contamination, and absence of hygiene may have some serious health consequences ranging from diarrhea and food poisoning to life-threatening diseases.
Understanding food safety: more than clean eating
Food safety is more than washing fruits and vegetables, and cooking meat to the right temperature. It’s a farm-to-table chain of practices that incorporates:
- Clean food production
- Cold storage and refrigeration in clean environments
- Clean water supply
- Clean transport and packaging
- Food handling consumer education
Hazardous food may be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical contaminants, all of which are extremely detrimental to health. According to WHO, 600 million people get sick each year from food contamination.
The health connection: why safe eating fosters healthy living
What you eat directly impacts your well-being. If you eat safely, your body receives the right nutrients, your immune system is in good shape and operates smoothly, and your gut is well.
Safe food consumption benefits include:
- Less likelihood of food contamination illness
- Better immunity and resistance to disease
- Sicker intestines
- Healthier child development and growth
- Less medical cost and fewer hospital admissions
Healthy food creates healthy living not just physically, but also mentally—recharge, mood elevator, and help concentration.
Food safety basic rules
Here are some easy but effective rules to make food safety part of your home life:
- Clean and wash surfaces often – Cleanliness is a contamination deterrent.
- Keep raw and cooked food separate – Avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen.
- Cooking at the right temperature – Utilize a food thermometer if needed.
- Storing at the right temperature – Perishables must be stored at less than 5°C.
- Filtered water only – Special attention has to be given to cooking or washing raw fruits and vegetables.
- Read labels and use-by dates – Special care has to be exercised in looking at packaging prior to consumption.
- Street vendors or new vendors avoided – Convenience should never be permitted to substitute hygiene.
Severe health reversals could be prevented by taking these minor precautions.
The role of the communities and institutions
It is not one’s individual responsibility—though his or her contribution is of serious importance—food safety is the responsibility of all citizens. Governments, manufacturers of food, doctors, and consumers all have to come together and form a chain of safe food.
Schools, food service centers, restaurants, and health centers must adhere to food safety rules rigorously and also train staff in cleanliness and not getting anything dirty.
A safer future through healthy food
Safe food is the foundation of sustainable health. It is a provider of well-being, an instrument for the prevention of healthcare issues, and a force behind the economy through enhancing productivity. Let us pledge to make safer choices—today, but every single day—while we celebrate World Food Safety Day.
Conclusion: Your health begins with your plate
Healthy living starts with safe eating. Be mindful of where your food came from, how it was cooked, and how it was kept. Cooking at home, eating out, or ordering online, eating healthy can protect your health and the well-being of your family.
We at Mythri Hospital plan to provide health and wellness to the masses through sensibilization and preventive medicine. In case of suffering from symptoms and signs like food poisoning, indigestion, or chronic infection, approach our experienced doctors at an early point of time for healing.