Each year on 7 June, the world comes together to recognise World Food Safety Day, an important reminder that the food we eat should always be safe, nutritious, and prepared in a way that prevents illness.
Whether you’re a home cook, food business owner, or simply someone who enjoys a good meal, food safety affects all of us—every single day.
What Is World Food Safety Day?
Launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Food Safety Day shines a spotlight on preventing, detecting, and managing foodborne risks. It’s a call to action for governments, producers, and consumers alike.
The 2025 theme, "Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected", focuses on the importance of being ready to manage food safety incidents—big or small—and highlights how everyone in the food chain has a role to play.
Why Is Food Safety Important?
Unsafe food can lead to over 200 diseases, from mild gastroenteritis to long-term illnesses. According to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), around 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness occur in the UK every year. And while large outbreaks often make the news, many food safety issues begin in our own homes and kitchens.
Food safety isn’t just a public health issue—it’s an economic one, too. Contaminated food can disrupt trade, damage business reputations, and waste valuable resources.
What Can You Do to Support Food Safety?
Here are some simple ways you can mark World Food Safety Day and make a difference:
1. Practice Safe Food Handling at Home
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
Use separate chopping boards for raw meat and vegetables.
Cook foods to the right temperature.
Store leftovers properly—don’t leave food sitting out too long.
2. Check Storage and Expiry Dates
Make a habit of checking use-by and best-before dates, especially on chilled and frozen items. Keep your fridge at 5°C or below.
3. Support Clean and Responsible Food Businesses
Choose local cafés, markets, and food vendors that demonstrate good hygiene. In the UK, you can look up FSA food hygiene ratings before visiting.
4. Spread the Word
Use your platform—be it social media, a blog, or even your family dinner table—to share facts about food safety. Raising awareness is half the battle.
5. Educate Yourself and Others
From allergies to allergens, learn about food labelling, cross-contamination, and how to prevent foodborne illness. The FSA and WHO websites are great places to start.
Let’s Keep Food Safe – Together
Food safety isn’t just the responsibility of inspectors or large manufacturers. It starts with each of us—from the way we shop and store food to how we cook and serve it. On World Food Safety Day, take a moment to reflect on your own habits and help spread the message: Safe food is everyone’s business.
Mark Your Calendar: 7 June – World Food Safety Day
How will you help keep food safe this year? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media!
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