Food safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play including governments, industry, producers, business operators and consumers, said a press release from the UN.

The day is being observed with the theme ‘Food safety: everyone’s business.’

FAO and WHO have been supporting their member countries in efforts to provide enough safe food for all and to enable people to trust that what they eat is safe.

The day is being celebrated to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development, said a WHO press release.

Whether you grow, process, transport, store, distribute, sell, prepare, serve or consume food, you have a role to play in keeping it safe. Take part in the celebration, said a FAO press release marking the day.  

Events such as World Food Safety Day help by highlighting the critical role played by all those who work to ensure that they are not derailed by disruptions and other challenges to continue keeping foods safe.

Earlier on Friday, FAO and WHO held virtual celebration marking the day.

The current global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized more than ever before the importance of monitoring and addressing food safety.

It has also highlighted the need for food safety systems to be adapted to respond to disruptions in supply chains and ensure continued access to safe food.

World Food Day 2020 is dedicated to all those who have ensured that the crisis has not interrupted supply chains and that safe food remains available, contributing to the consumption of safe and healthy diets.