Unsafe food causes half the deaths in Asia-Pacific

Unsafe food consumption leads to millions of people falling sick each year, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the latest figures, about 2,25,000 people die each year from foodborne illnesses in Asia and the Pacific, accounting for more than half of the global fatalities. Sadly, nearly a third of those who perish, 30 per cent, are children.

Hazards of Unsafe Food:

• Causes of Food Poisoning: Food poisoning is often caused by eating food that has encountered traces of human or animal faeces from contaminated handling or surfaces, or by improper storage. Many street markets routinely serve food that sits out on a hot day, sometimes for hours. Food that should be refrigerated is not. Chicken or eggs are not always fully cooked, which can make us sick.
• Threat to Health and Economy: Unsafe food is a threat to both human health and the economies of our countries. It disproportionally affects vulnerable and marginalised people, especially women and children, as well as populations confronting natural disasters and conflict. Poor handling of food also damages global trade leading to further food wastage.
• Overcoming Hazards: These hazards can, in most cases, be overcome by proper food handling, including better hygiene practices for those preparing the food and proper refrigeration for edible items that need to be kept cold or frozen.

Role of Governments and Private Sector:

• Strengthening Food Control Systems: Governments can strengthen their national food control systems, increase surveillance activities, and improve communication with food businesses and the public. These actions should be routine but are particularly important following a natural disaster, where food may be contaminated.
• Improving Food Safety Standards: There is also a business case for improving food safety standards in Asia and the Pacific. This should begin at the source where food is produced, extend to those handling the food, and continue along the entire value chain until it reaches the retailer and consumer.
• Food Standards and Safety Management: Food standards, especially those of internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius, ensure fair practices in food trade. Along food value chains, multiple players handle food, which changes hands many times and goes through several processing steps. An incident can happen at any point and render the food unsafe. That’s why we should always be prepared with an adequate response to ensure that contaminated food does not reach consumers.

UPSC Mains Questions:

Q.Examine the socio-economic impacts of unsafe food on vulnerable populations. What measures can be taken to mitigate these effects and ensure equitable food safety practices?