World Food Safety Day 2025: ‘Science in Action’ to Safeguard Global Food Systems
New Delhi, June 4 (The Trending People): As the world prepares to observe World Food Safety Day on June 7, 2025, the focus this year is firmly on science. With the theme “Food safety: science in action,” the day aims to raise awareness of how scientific research, technologies, and innovations help prevent foodborne diseases, reduce health risks, and ensure that food remains safe for consumption from farm to fork.
Why World Food Safety Day Matters
World Food Safety Day is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. First established in 2018 and officially celebrated since 2019, the day is aimed at mobilising action to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks.
Every year, approximately 600 million people—almost 1 in 10 globally—fall ill due to contaminated food, and 420,000 die as a result, according to WHO estimates. These figures underscore the need for continuous, science-based monitoring of food safety practices.
Theme 2025: “Food Safety: Science in Action”
This year’s theme draws attention to the critical role that science and innovation play in maintaining and improving food safety:
- Science detects risks like bacteria, parasites, viruses, and harmful chemicals.
- Research-based practices inform food production, processing, packaging, and distribution.
- Technological advances such as blockchain for traceability and AI-based quality controls are shaping safer global food supply chains.
“Science allows governments to craft food regulations and safety standards. It also empowers farmers, processors, vendors, and consumers to make informed decisions,” said Dr. Francesco Branca, WHO’s Director of Nutrition and Food Safety.
Five Key Calls to Action for World Food Safety Day 2025
- Governments: Strengthen food control systems using evidence and risk-based policies.
- Farmers and Producers: Adopt good agricultural practices and hygiene protocols.
- Business Operators: Implement food safety standards throughout production and distribution.
- Consumers: Stay informed and apply safe food-handling habits at home.
- Academia and Scientists: Keep innovating and sharing findings that can shape safer food systems.
Examples of Science in Action
- Rapid Diagnostic Testing: New kits can detect harmful pathogens like E. coli or Salmonella in just hours, helping to stop contaminated food before it reaches consumers.
- Genomic Surveillance: Advanced DNA tracking helps trace the source of outbreaks and reduce the risk of future occurrences.
- Food Traceability: Blockchain systems allow authorities to quickly identify contaminated batches and remove them from shelves.
Global Reach and Local Impact
World Food Safety Day is not just about government action—schools, NGOs, food vendors, and households play a vital role. Campaigns across nations include awareness drives, workshops, food safety audits, and public pledges to reduce food waste and adopt safer cooking practices.
India, for example, is launching nationwide food safety awareness campaigns in partnership with FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) to educate vendors and consumers about street food hygiene.
Safe Food, Better Health
Food safety is a shared responsibility, but it is science that binds all the efforts together—from understanding microbial threats to designing safer supply chains. On World Food Safety Day 2025, stakeholders across the globe are urged to act together and build resilient food systems grounded in scientific understanding.
As the world grows more interconnected, ensuring food safety at every level becomes essential not only for health but for economic and environmental sustainability as well.
Remember: safe food today means a healthy tomorrow.
