KUCHING: The inaugural state-level World Food Safety Day which falls on June 7, was celebrated here yesterday with the theme “Food Safety, Everyone’s Business”.
The event, organised by the Food Safety and Quality Division of the Ministry of Health, was officiated by Sarawak Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim.
She said the theme of the celebration aptly reminded everyone the importance of food safety.
“Food is a source of energy and it is the key to maintaining our health and happiness. However, unsafe food is a danger to our health, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those who are immune-compromised,” she stressed.
Dr Jamilah explained the negative impact of unsafe food on trade and the economy.
“For example, if we want to export food, food safety is crucial. If our food is classified as unsafe, our reputation will be tarnished,” she elaborated.
Touching on the health implications of unsafe food, Dr Jamilah cited that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), every year, one in ten people falls sick from consuming food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemicals.
“As many as 420,000 people, 125,000 being children under the age of five, die from contaminated food each year,” she said, stressing the gravity of the situation.
“WHO estimates that contaminated food causes more than 200 illnesses, from diarrhoea to cancer.”
According to Dr Jamilah, Malaysia strictly monitors and controls the food industry.
“All eateries and imported food products have to comply with the Food Act 1983. We also have standards in place to ensure food safety,” she assured.
“Close monitoring is necessary to enable early detection, which allows quick action in order to minimise the negative effects,” Dr Jamilah commented.
“All parties have a part to play. For example, the agricultural sector has to monitor the usage of pesticides and chemical fertilisers, as this is also an aspect of food safety.”
On a global level, Dr Jamilah stated that food safety is one of the concepts of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which countries under the UN have to achieve by 2030.
