World Food Safety Day – 7 June 2025
World Food Safety Day is observed every year on 7 June, aiming to raise global awareness about the importance of safe food from farm to fork. In 2025, the theme is “Food Safety: Science in Action”—highlighting how scientific tools and evidence empower us to prevent foodborne illnesses, save lives, protect economies, and ensure sustainable food systems .
Why it matters
Each year, around 600 million people—nearly 1 in 10 worldwide—get sick from eating contaminated food, with about 420,000 deaths mainly affecting children and vulnerable populations .
In low- and middle-income countries, foodborne illness costs exceed US $110 billion per year .
Theme: Science in Action
AKA “Food Safety: Science in Action,” the 2025 theme emphasizes:
1. Understanding hazards — identifying risks from bacteria, viruses, chemicals, fungi, parasites .
2. Applying evidence-based solutions — risk assessments, temperature controls, monitoring, and sanitation .
3. Global coordination — organizations like FAO, WHO, Codex Alimentarius, and national agencies leverage data, labs, and scientists to guide policymakers, food businesses, and consumers .
Who’s involved & what they can do
Governments: invest in data, scientific research, policies, and science education .
Food businesses: implement monitoring systems, staff training, and hygiene protocols along the chain .
Consumers: follow the WHO “Five Keys to Safer Food”—cook thoroughly, keep clean, separate raw and cooked, safe temperatures, use safe water .
Academia & schools: research emerging risks, teach children how science connects to food safety .
Practical tips for everyone
Cook to at least 70 °C and keep hot foods above 60 °C; refrigerate perishable foods below 5 °C .
Avoid the “Danger Zone”: between 5 °C and 60 °C bacteria grow rapidly .
Wash hands and surfaces, especially after handling raw meats .
Separate utensils for raw and cooked food, and rinse fruits and vegetables with safe water .
Community engagement
Launch food safety quizzes or school projects to spread awareness.
Organize webinars or industry forums, like FAO/WHO supports around WFSD.
Promote social media campaigns using materials from the FAO/WHO toolkit, adopting the hashtag #WorldFoodSafetyDay .
In summary
World Food Safety Day 2025 reminds us that:
Safe food is not just a necessity—it’s a fundamental right.
Science empowers everyone along the supply chain—from farm to fork.
Each of us has a role: governments, businesses, educators, and consumers must work together.
By embracing “Food Safety: Science in Action,” we can safeguard health, reduce economic and educational loss, support global trade, and strengthen food security.