Every day, more than one million people around the world become ill due to eating unsafe food. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), this figure reaches 1.6 million people. These shocking figures reveal how important food safety and public health awareness is.
Unsafe foods can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemicals that can cause more than 200 illnesses – from diarrhea to cancer. This problem not only affects developing countries, but also developed countries, showing that this is a global problem that requires serious attention.
Food Safety Monitoring Steps
Strict food safety controls, improved production standards, and better knowledge of food storage and preparation are important steps to reduce the risk of food-related illnesses. Additionally, it is important for consumers to be empowered with the right information so they can make safe choices when purchasing and consuming food.
Public education about food safety should be a priority for governments and health organizations. Awareness campaigns can help inform the public about the risks and ways to prevent food-related illnesses. Additionally, research and investment in safer food technologies can help reduce the burden of these diseases.
The Importance of International Cooperation in Combating Problems
International cooperation is also important in fighting this problem. By sharing data, research and resources, countries can work together to improve food security around the world. WHO has taken important steps in this regard by providing guidelines and standards for food safety that can be adopted by member countries.
Important Facts About Food Safety
- 600 Million People Affected by Diseases Due to Unsafe Food: Nearly 1 in 10 people in the world become ill after consuming contaminated food. Every year, approximately 420,000 people die from unsafe food, resulting in a loss of 33 million healthy life years (DALYs).
- Economic Loss: Low- and middle-income countries lose approximately 110 billion US dollars each year due to reduced productivity and medical costs resulting from unsafe food.
- Children Under 5 Years of Age Are Vulnerable: Children under 5 years of age carry 40% of the disease burden caused by contaminated food. Every year, 125,000 children die from food-related illnesses.
Main Causes of Food-Borne Illnesses
Following are some of the main causes of foodborne illnesses:
Bacteria
Bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli are some of the common food pathogens that can cause serious illness.
- Salmonella: This bacteria is often found in chicken, eggs, and dairy products. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, and fever.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli): Primarily comes from poorly cooked beef. E. coli infection can cause bloody diarrhea.
- Campylobacter: Found in poultry and raw milk. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and fever.
Dangerous Chemicals
Chemical contamination can cause acute poisoning or long-term illness, including cancer.
- Pesticides: Excessive use of pesticides on fruits and vegetables can cause poisoning.
- Preservatives: Chemicals such as formaldehyde or borax used incorrectly in food can be harmful to health.
Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can be found in water, soil and animal waste. Foods at high risk of Listeria contamination include processed meat, unpasteurized milk, and refrigerated smoked seafood. Symptoms of listeria include nausea, diarrhea, and in more severe cases, brain inflammation
Vibrio cholerae
This bacteria causes cholera through contaminated water or food. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
In conclusion, WHO data about 1.6 million people getting sick every day from unsafe food is a wake-up call for everyone. This is an issue that affects us all and requires urgent action. With education, cooperation, and a commitment to food safety, we can reduce these numbers and protect global public health.
Food safety is a shared responsibility between the government, producers and consumers. By understanding the risks and taking precautions, we can protect our health and prevent the negative impacts of unsafe foods. Let's all contribute to a healthier world by ensuring the food we consume is safe and nutritious.
