Each year, the celebration’s theme focuses on a different subject, highlighting a priority area of public health worldwide. This year’s leitmotif is Food Safety, and the slogan of this year’s observance is “From farm to plate – make food safe.”
In recent years, many new pathogens have emerged and microorganisms have become more resistant; numerous changes are taking place not only in food production and distribution, but also in the environment and in the area of consumption. Contamination spreads very quickly, particularly because of the global reach of the food trade.
Foodborne diseases cause approximately 2 million deaths each year. In addition, unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemical substances causes more than 200 diseases, including cancer.
Foodborne diseases also hinder socioeconomic development. WHO recommends applying and promoting five steps to safer food:
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