Key points
- FAO says reliable data on foodborne diseases is essential for evidence-based food safety policies and interventions.
- World Food Safety Day 2026 highlights the need to move “from burden to solutions” using scientific evidence.
- UN agency urges governments, businesses and consumers to share responsibility in ensuring safe food systems globally.
Main story
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has stressed that reliable data on the health burden of unsafe food is critical for designing effective policies, coordinated action, and informed consumer decisions.
FAO Director-General, Dr. Qu Dongyu, made this known in a message marking the 2026 World Food Safety Day (WFSD), observed on June 7 under the theme: “From burden to solutions: safe food everywhere.”
He explained that foodborne diseases remain a global public health challenge, affecting people across all regions, and that understanding their scale is essential for targeted interventions.
“Reliable data on the health burden of unsafe food is the foundation for evidence-based policies, coordinated multisectoral action, and informed consumer choices,” Dongyu said.
He added that the 2026 theme underscores the importance of using scientific evidence not only to identify risks but also to develop practical and cost-effective solutions to food safety challenges.
According to him, accurate data on the global burden of foodborne illness helps governments and stakeholders identify priority hazards, allocate resources efficiently, and strengthen decision-making processes.
The issues
The FAO highlighted persistent gaps in food safety systems, particularly the lack of reliable and comprehensive data on foodborne illnesses in many countries.
It noted that without accurate information, governments may struggle to identify high-risk areas, design effective interventions, or allocate resources efficiently.
The agency also pointed to the broader challenge of weak food control systems, which can limit countries’ ability to prevent contamination, respond to outbreaks, and ensure safe food across supply chains.
What’s being said
Dr. Dongyu stressed that data alone is not sufficient unless it is translated into action.
“For FAO, this is critical. We support Members in turning evidence into action: helping countries identify priorities, design targeted interventions, allocate limited resources more efficiently, and ensure effective decision-making,” he said.
He noted that the FAO continues to support countries in strengthening food control systems through innovative tools, capacity building, and international standards under the One Health approach, which links human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
Dongyu also emphasised that food safety is a shared responsibility across all levels of society.
“Governments can translate data into effective enabling policies. Food businesses can improve their practices. And consumers can make informed choices to protect their health,” he said.
He added that collective action is essential to reduce foodborne illnesses and ensure safe food systems globally.
What’s next
The FAO called for stronger global investment in food safety data systems, improved surveillance mechanisms, and enhanced national capacity to manage food risks.
It also urged countries to adopt science-based approaches in food regulation and strengthen collaboration across sectors to improve food safety outcomes.
The agency reiterated its commitment to supporting member states in developing evidence-driven food control systems and aligning with global food safety standards.
Bottom line
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation says tackling unsafe food requires more than awareness—it demands reliable data, stronger systems, and coordinated global action to turn evidence into effective food safety solutions.
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