About the campaign

More than 600 million people fall ill and 420 000 die every year from eating contaminated food. Nobody should die from eating food. These are preventable deaths. 

The United Nations General Assembly established World Food Safety Day in 2018 to raise awareness on the importance of food safety. WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly facilitate the observance of World Food Safety Day, in collaboration with Member States and other stakeholders.

This year’s theme, “Food standards save lives”, highlights the role of established food safety practices and standards, which ensure food safety and quality

When you eat, how do you know your food is safe? Behind the scenes, countless people are involved in making sure that food production follows established food safety practices. WHO, together with FAO, leads global expert groups and provides scientific advice to develop international food safety standards to protect consumer health everywhere. Food standards are at the heart of food safety.

Everyone can take an active role in preventing foodborne illness, and World Food Safety Day offers an opportunity to get informed and involved.

Campaign date
7 June

Campaign theme
Food standards save lives

Campaign hashtag
#WorldFoodSafetyDay