Every year on the 7th of June, the world acknowledges this day as World Food Safety Day, a global reminder of the crucial role that safe, nutritious food plays not only in health but also in keeping the country going by supporting productivity, resilience, and national well-being.   

The theme for 2025 is Food Safety: Science in Action, highlighting the essential role that scientific research has in ensuring food safety throughout the food system. From ‘farm to fork’, science underpins the processes, standards, and technologies that help prevent foodborne illnesses and promote public health. This theme also reminds us that food safety is not the responsibility of one sector alone; it requires collective action across agriculture, food production, health, education, and research. 

Food safety is not only about maintaining good hygiene around the consumption of food, but also refers to the nutritional value of food and the impact this has on health. The poor handling of food and use of contaminated food can lead to a range of health issues, including foodborne disease, chronic inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies, which ultimately weaken communities and increase pressure on an already burdened healthcare system. 

In South Africa, food safety and food security are inextricably linked. In many under-resourced communities, the lack of access to affordable, nutrient-dense food means that people are more vulnerable to both undernutrition and diet-related chronic illnesses. This is where nutrition-focused public education, outreach, and research become critical. Initiatives such as Eat Better South Africa (EBSA) seek to address the nutrition crisis with public education and aim to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. By promoting low-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense diets, EBSA equips individuals with practical knowledge to make safer, more informed food choices. 

Ensuring food safety means acknowledging the entire food ecosystem, from the soil that nourishes crops, to the supply chains that deliver goods, to the policies that regulate standards, and the public that consumes them. When science guides action at every level, the result is not only safer food, but also healthier communities.

On this World Food Safety Day, remember that safe, nutritious food is a shared responsibility. Everyone has a role to play in building healthier communities. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Learn more about where your food comes from and how it’s produced. Choose fresh, whole foods when possible.

• Practice safe food handling at home: wash hands and surfaces, cook foods thoroughly, and store items at safe temperatures.

• Support local initiatives like Eat Better South Africa that promote nutrition education and food safety in underserved communities.

• Share knowledge with your family, friends, and community. Small conversations can spark big change.

• Advocate for better food policies by staying informed and engaging with organisations that work to improve public health through evidence-based nutrition.

Together, through education, action, and community support, we can make safe, nutritious food a reality for all. 

References:

The Noakes Foundation. (2023). Our Work. [online] Available at: https://thenoakesfoundation.org/our-work. 

World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Food Safety. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety.