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Calls Made for Safe Food Consumption.

07 June, 2023
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As Uganda joined the rest of the world to mark the food safety day, a call towards adherence to quality and safe food has been made.


World Food Safety Day held on 7 June aims to increase awareness about food safety to minimize health concerns and risks posed by food borne diseases. The day was marked under the theme; ‘Food Standards Save Lives.’

George Davidson Wanakina the Mbale District Production and Marketing Officer says it is important for both crop and animal food to be of good quality to save the lives of the consumers. On crops, Wanakina says that right from the type of land, quality of seed, chemicals and fertilizers used to the storage facilities, it is important to closely maintain quality.

He also says that for the animal food, proper slaughter facilities and good milk handling provide a safe environment for consumers. He says that all farmers and stakeholders in the food chain must work towards safe food production and consumption.

Allan James Sosoji a clinician with Modern Medical Centre in Mbale City emphasizes the need to consume safe food saying a number of illnesses can be transmitted by food. These include diarrhea and cancers. 

According to the World Health Organization, every year, 600 million people get sick due to the 200 different types of illnesses that can be transmitted by food. Foodborne illnesses cause 420,000 preventable deaths every year. On average, 1.6million people get sick due to unsafe food every day, globally. The young people and populations with limited resources are among the most affected.

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