With an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne illness annually, unsafe food is a threat to human health and economies, disproportionally affecting vulnerable and marginalized people, especially women and children, populations affected by conflict and migrants. An estimated three million people around the world–in developed and developing countries—die every year from food and waterborne disease.
In addressing this challenge, the United Nations has set 7th June, every year to commemorate World Food Safety Day. This year’s celebration marks the second edition of the observance. The commemoration is spearheaded by the World Health Organisation and Food and Agriculture organisation of the United Nations to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, and sustainable development.
Food and water containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances are responsible for more than 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers.
Dr. Francesco Brana, Director at the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety of the World health Organisation describes safe food as an essential public health issue. According to him, “at least one person in every 10 falls ill every year after eating contaminated food and 420,000 people die; including 125,000 children under 5.” He said there is therefore the need to inspire everybody to help prevent food borne risks.
Speaking on the theme for this year’s celebration, Food safety, everyone’s business, Dean of the School of Agriculture at the University of Cape Coast, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako explains there is the need for all who are in the food supply chain mainly farmers, business operators, market women and consumers to adopt the right practices to ensure food safety at all levels. He believes ensuring food safety is possible if producers stick to standard practices.
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In Ghana, the Food and Drugs Authority is mandated to ensure that Ghanaian markets are stocked with safe food products for consumption, however, issues of unapproved food products on our markets are sometimes in the news. Mr. John Odai-Tettey, the Central Regional Boss of the FDA explains Ghana’s porous borders gives way to individuals to bring unapproved foods to the market.
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Porosity of Ghana’s borders has remained a major challenge in controlling what and who enters the country. Many believe that until this hurdle is crossed, the importation of contraband and unsafe food into the country will remain a threat to safe food. Mr. John Odai-Tettey said the FDA is consistently educating consumers and producers as well as retailers to adopt right practices to ensure food safety.
Aba Aikins Appah/ATLFMNews
