World Food Safety Day highlights an everyday important issue

    7 June 2022

    Today marks World Food Safety Day. One in 10 people are affected by foodborne diseases around the world. Unsafe foods contribute to poor health conditions, such as impaired growth and development and micronutrient deficiencies that are entirely preventable. Only when food is safe can we fully benefit from its nutritional value and the social enjoyment of sharing a good meal which is an important part of food security.

    World Food Safety Day highlights the need for trade, agriculture, industry and food policies that ensure safe food for better health and environmental sustainability. Food systems play an important role in preventing infectious and toxic hazards, microbial pathogens and other noxious substances from getting onto our plates.

    Matthew Cossey, Chief Executive Officer of CropLife Australia, said “We are fortunate in Australia, like in most of the developed world, that food has never been safer and never has there been such variety of produce available to consumers due to amazing farmers, chemistry innovation from the plant science industry and effective storage and transport.

    “Australia’s agricultural sector has a global reputation for high food safety standards and responsible use of advanced crop protection technologies to manage food toxin risks to consumers. Continuous monitoring shows that the use of these highly regulated products continue to safely minimise dangerous toxins caused by fungus and insect damage.

    “Ensuring access to safe, nutritious and affordable produce is crucial to improved health outcomes in Australia. With 73 per cent of crop production attributable to the use of crop protection products, it is vital that farmers continue to have access to the best possible tools that enable availability of nutritious fruits, vegetables and grains.

    “While science-driven innovations are playing their part, we all have a role to play. Whether we grow, process, transport, store, sell, buy, prepare or serve food, food safety is in all of our hands.

    “The best thing consumers can do for their health is to continue to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and ensure proper hygiene practices that prevent bacteria and contamination.”

    Mr Cossey concluded, “Striving towards safer food for better health is something we all should be committed to. Ensuring access to plant science technology will continue to help Australian farmers produce nutritious, safe and affordable food for a growing global population.”