The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has emphasized that reliable data on the health burden of unsafe food is essential for evidence-based policies, coordinated multisectoral action, and informed consumer choices.
FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu made this statement in his message marking the 2026 World Food Safety Day (WFSD), celebrated on June 7 under the theme: “From burden to solutions: safe food everywhere.”
The theme highlights how data on illness, its impact, and lost lives can guide targeted and cost-effective solutions.
Dongyu explained that foodborne diseases can affect everyone everywhere, and understanding the extent of the burden enables governments and businesses to take focused action.
“Reliable data on the health burden of unsafe food is the foundation for evidence-based policies, coordinated multisectoral action, and informed consumer choices,” he said.
He added that the 2026 WFSD theme reminds the world that both evidence and solutions are needed to make food safe, especially at a crucial time.
“Science-based evidence on the global burden of foodborne disease, including its scale and patterns, is critical for understanding where risks lie and which hazards have the greatest impact.”
“But data alone is not enough. As we better understand the burden, we must also focus on solutions.”
“For FAO, this is vital. We support member countries in turning evidence into action—helping them identify priorities, design targeted interventions, allocate resources efficiently, and make effective decisions.”
“We work with countries to assess and strengthen their food control systems using innovative tools and approaches.”
Dongyu highlighted FAO’s efforts in supporting the development and implementation of international standards within the One Health framework, recognizing that human health is interconnected with the health of animals, plants, and the environment.
He said FAO has been assisting member states in strengthening their capacity to prioritize inspections and manage risks based on evidence.
“These efforts help reduce foodborne illnesses, protect public health, and support economic growth.”
He stressed that food safety is everyone’s responsibility. “Governments can turn data into effective policies. Food businesses can improve practices. Consumers can make informed choices to protect their health.”
“Together, with sustained commitment and science-based solutions, we can reduce the burden of foodborne diseases and ensure safe food for all, everywhere,” the FAO chief concluded.
