Making food safe from farm to plate


New data on the harm caused by food-borne illnesses underscore the global threats posed by unsafe foods, and the need for coordinated action across the entire food supply chain.

That's according to the World Health Organization (WHO) which is marking World Health Day on Tuesday.

“From farm to plate, make food safe.”
That's the slogan of this year's World Health Day.

WHO is highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with food safety.
Dr Kazuaki Miyagishima, Director of the Food Safety Department at the UN health agency, explains why food safety is a major public health issue.

“Food can be contaminated by virus, bacteria, parasites and chemical agents, leading to more than 200 different diseases. Different sectors such as agriculture, fishery, industry, tourism, trade, need to join forces to ensure food safety.”

Examples of unsafe products include under-cooked foods of animal origin and fruits and vegetables contaminated with faeces.
WHO further warns that unsafe food poses major economic risks.

For example, Germany’s 2011 E-coli outbreak reportedly caused US$ 1.3 billion in losses for farmers and industries.


SOURCE:Stephanie Coutrix, United Nations.