Food Safety: Science in Action – A World Food Safety Day 7 June 2025

Every year on June 7, the global community observes World Food Safety Day, a joint initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This day is a call to action to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks that threaten human health, food security, trade, and sustainable development.

The 2025 theme, “Food Safety: Science in Action”, emphasizes the vital role science plays in keeping food safe across the supply chain—from farm to fork. Here, we  explores the importance of food safety, the science that supports it, and how scientific advancements, regulations, and stakeholder collaboration are shaping a safer global food system.

Why Food Safety Matters

Unsafe food can cause over 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhea to cancers. According to WHO, an estimated 600 million people—1 in 10 worldwide—fall ill after eating contaminated food, and 420,000 die every year. Key Food Safety Statistics (WHO) are detailed below in table 1.

The impact is not limited to health; it also undermines food trade, weakens consumer confidence, and impairs national economies. Ensuring food safety is, therefore, not only a public health imperative but also an economic necessity.

The Science Behind Food Safety

Science plays a critical role in:

• Risk Assessment

• Food Testing and Surveillance

• Traceability and Supply Chain Monitoring

• Development of Food Safety Standards

• Predictive Modelling and Risk Forecasting

How science play a important role:- 

1. Risk Assessment and Risk Management

Risk analysis is a scientific approach used by national and international bodies to develop standards and guidelines. The Codex Alimentarius, developed by FAO and WHO, is a global reference point.

Components of Risk Analysis are deatailed in Table 2.

This framework helps ensure that decisions related to food safety are based on evidence and transparency.

2. Food Testing Technologies

Food laboratories use cutting-edge technology to detect contaminants, toxins, and adulterants. Techniques include are detailed in Table3.

• Chromatography (HPLC, GC-MS) – for pesticide residues and mycotoxins

• PCR and ELISA – for detecting pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria

• Spectroscopy (AAS, ICP-MS) – for heavy metals like lead and arsenic

• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) – for outbreak investigations

These tools ensure timely detection and prevention of foodborne hazards.

3.Surveillance Systems and Data Collection

Surveillance systems like INFOSAN (International Food Safety Authorities Network) and national networks (e.g., FSSAI’s INFoLNet in India) track foodborne outbreaks and coordinate rapid responses.

These systems use big data analytics, geospatial tools, and AI-based models to:

• Trace the source of contamination

• Forecast future outbreaks

• Support regulatory actions

4. Scientific Standards and Regulatory Frameworks

Countries rely on scientific committees and food authorities for setting Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), food additive permissions, and contaminant thresholds (Table 4).

For example:

• The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) uses scientific panels to set standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates data for European Union regulations.

• The US FDA and USDA conduct scientific reviews before approvals.

5. Innovation in Food Safety

Emerging technologies and innovations are transforming how we manage food safety:

• Blockchain for transparent traceability

• Smart sensors in packaging to detect spoilage

• AI and Machine Learning for predicting risks

• Rapid testing kits for field-level detection

• CRISPR-based diagnostics for rapid and precise pathogen identification

These innovations reduce time, cost, and dependency on centralized labs—empowering even small businesses and producers.

Stakeholder Roles in Food Safety

Food safety is a shared responsibility. Science-based actions by stakeholders ensure effective implementation (Table 5).

Collaboration among all actors strengthens the global food safety net.

Challenges Ahead

Despite progress, several challenges persist:

• Climate change affects microbial patterns and introduces new food safety risks.

• Globalized food chains increase complexity and risk of contamination.

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging threat in animal-based food systems.

• Lack of lab infrastructure in developing nations impedes timely testing.

Scientific communities must address these challenges through multidisciplinary research, investment in food safety infrastructure, and policy integration.

India’s Approach: Science-led Reforms

India has taken several initiatives:

• FSSAI’s FoSTaC training modules include science-based food handler training.

• Eat Right India Movement promotes safe and sustainable diets.

• Rapid Alert System for Food Safety

Recent reforms like Amendments in Contaminant Regulations (2023-24) are based on continuous scientific monitoring of risk trends.

Empowering Consumers with Scientific Knowledge

The food safety ecosystem is incomplete without consumer awareness. Science helps:

• Debunk food myths (e.g., preservatives, GMOs)

• Educate about safe storage and cooking temperatures

• Promote label reading and understanding of expiry dates

Tools like food safety apps, helplines, and public campaigns powered by scientific information can empower citizens.

Food safety is not a luxury—it is a fundamental human right and a scientific commitment. This World Food Safety Day, the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action” reminds us that science safeguards every meal we eat.

From laboratories and farms to retail counters and households, science ensures that our food is not just nourishing but also safe. Investing in scientific research, strengthening lab networks, and promoting food safety education are essential to building a healthier, more resilient food system.

As consumers, professionals, and policymakers, let us celebrate science—and support it—so we can create a food-safe world for all.