World Food Safety Day, marked every June 7, is a global call to adopt safe food handling habits.
Practising proper food hygiene helps prevent foodborne diseases, which affect 600 million people each year.
Five key habits promote safety: wash hands, surfaces, and utensils regularly; separate raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination; and cook thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood.
It’s also crucial to keep food at safe temperatures (between 5°C and 60°C is considered the “danger zone” for bacterial growth).
Lastly, always use safe water and raw materials and check for freshness and source.
Most foodborne illnesses are preventable, starting with simple habits in your kitchen.
According to the World Health Organization, these practices not only protect health but also enhance food quality and nutrition, contributing to a safer global food supply.
by WILLIAM WANYOIKE
