Every year on June 7th, people all over the world stop to consider the importance of making certain the food that we eat is safe in observance of World Food Safety Day. You might think it’s a concern only scientists or health inspectors need to worry about, but food safety is something that each of us — in our kitchens, at the market and even at the dinner table — has to take seriously.
Whether you’re making a simple meal at home or grabbing a snack on the go, we all rely on food that won’t make us sick. This year’s theme, “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected,” is a reminder to everyone to have a plan in place for those unexpected circumstances not on our usual radar that may affect our food — everything from natural disasters to health emergencies and other disruptions to the way food reaches our plates.
We all know how unpredictable the world can be, particularly in recent years, and we should have a food safety system that is strong and flexible enough to keep us safe. But imposing aside, there are little everyday steps that can make a difference when it comes to food safety — washing our hands before cooking, not mixing raw food and cooked food together, storing leftovers the right way. These practices can help reduce foodborne illness and keep our families healthy.
World Food Safety Day is also perfect to discuss the topic of where our food comes from and to celebrate and thank those who grow, prepare and deliver it. But at its core, food safety is about care — caring for ourselves, our neighbors and the future. Because when the food is safe, we all have a better shot at living healthy, full lives. And really safe food today is healthy tomorrow.
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