Food Safety and its Public Health implication

Food safety is a critical aspect of public health that impacts everyone globally, irrespective of background or location. The interconnected nature of today's food markets means that ensuring food safety is not just a local concern but also an international challenge. The systematic review highlighted several key public health risks associated with food safety in the food market, including microbial and chemical contamination, food adulteration, mislabeling, and issues with genetically modified foods and expired products. These risks underscore the importance of robust food safety measures from farm to fork. Effective national and international regulations are crucial to mitigate these risks and protect public health. As food supply chains traverse multiple borders, there's a heightened need for cooperation between countries to uphold safety standards and prevent health hazards. Ultimately, prioritizing food safety not only safeguards consumers but also strengthens global health resilience against emerging threats in an increasingly interconnected world.

Gizaw Z. Public health risks related to food safety issues in the food market: a systematic literature review. Environ Health Prev Med. 2019 Nov 30;24(1):68. doi: 10.1186/s12199-019-0825-5. PMID: 31785611; PMCID: PMC6885314.

Food safety is a paramount concern for public health and well-being globally. The integrity of our food supply chain is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses, safeguarding consumer health, and maintaining public trust in the food industry (Chhetri, 2023). As such, understanding the significance of food safety, identifying emerging challenges, and implementing effective strategies to mitigate risks are imperative tasks for policymakers, public health authorities, and stakeholders across various sectors (Mangla et al., 2021; Nardulli et al., 2023). The significance of food safety transcends mere consumer satisfaction; it directly impacts public health, economic stability, and social welfare (Orikpete and Ewim,2024.).

Unsafe food can harbor harmful pathogens, toxins, or chemical contaminants, posing significant health risks to consumers. Foodborne illnesses can lead to a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe cases of illness, hospitalization, and even death (Gallo et al., 2020). Moreover, outbreaks of foodborne diseases can strain healthcare systems, disrupt economies, and tarnish the reputation of food producers and suppliers. The globalization of food supply chains has further complicated food safety management. With products sourced from diverse geographical regions and traversing extensive distribution networks, the potential for contamination and foodborne outbreaks has increased (Sharma and Mukhopadhyay, 2024).

Factors such as inadequate sanitation practices, improper handling, storage conditions, and cross-contamination during processing contribute to the risk of foodborne illnesses. Additionally, emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and novel food technologies present new challenges to traditional food safety paradigms (Pandey et al., 2020). Despite advances in food safety regulations, surveillance systems, and technological innovations, foodborne illnesses pose significant public health threats worldwide (Elbehiry et al., 2023). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 48 million Americans suffer from foodborne illnesses annually, leading to over 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 600 million people fall ill, and 420,000 die each year due to contaminated food. The prevalence of foodborne illnesses underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address the root causes of contamination and mitigate risks throughout the food supply chain (Patterson et al., 2020). Identifying key pathogens, understanding their transmission dynamics, and implementing preventive measures are essential to effective food safety management. Moreover, addressing gaps in regulatory oversight, enhancing surveillance systems, and promoting industry compliance with food safety standards are critical steps in reducing the burden of foodborne diseases.

Public education is pivotal in empowering consumers with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about food safety (Stratton and Martirosyan, 2023). By raising awareness about potential hazards, teaching proper food handling practices, and promoting behavior change, public education initiatives can help reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses. Moreover, education fosters a culture of accountability, encouraging individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families from foodborne risks (Newsome et al., 2023). Additionally, public education campaigns can target vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems, who are at higher risk of foodborne infections (Njoagwuani et al., 2023). Addressing food safety concerns requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses regulatory interventions, industry collaboration, and public education initiatives. By raising awareness, imparting knowledge, and fostering behavioral changes, public education plays a vital role in enhancing food safety practices and protecting public health (Pulimeno et al., 2020). Through collaborative efforts and sustained investment in education, stakeholders can work together to mitigate the risks of foodborne illnesses and ensure a safe and secure food supply for all (Pires et al., 2021). 

References: 

Chhetri, K.B., 2023. Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Food Quality Control and Safety Assessment. Food Engineering Reviews, pp.1-21.

Mangla, S.K., Bhattacharya, A., Yadav, A.K., Sharma, Y.K., Ishizaka, A., Luthra, S. and Chakraborty, R., 2021. A framework to assess the challenges to food safety initiatives in an emerging economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 284, p.124709.

Nardulli, P., Ballini, A., Zamparella, M. and De Vito, D., 2023. The Role of Stakeholders’ Understandings in Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance: A One Health Approach. Microorganisms, 11(11), p.2797.

Orikpete, O.F. and Ewim, D.R.E., 2024. Interplay of human factors and safety culture in nuclear safety for enhanced organisational and individual Performance: A comprehensive review. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 416, p.112797.

Gallo, M., Ferrara, L., Calogero, A., Montesano, D. and Naviglio, D., 2020. Relationships between food and diseases: What to know to ensure food safety. Food Research International, 137, p.109414.

Sharma, V. and Mukhopadhyay, C.D., 2024. Exosome as drug delivery system: Current advancements. Extracellular Vesicle, 3, p.100032.

Pandey, A.T., Pandey, I., Hachenberger, Y., Krause, B.C., Haidar, R., Laux, P., Luch, A., Singh, M.P. and Singh, A.V.,2020. Emerging paradigm against global antimicrobial resistance via bioprospecting of mushroom into novel nanotherapeutics development. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 106, pp.333-344.

Michael Alurame Eruaga. (2024). Assessing the role of public education in enhancing food safety practices among consumers. International Journal of Scholarly Research in Science and Technology, 4(1), 022–031. //doi.org/10.56781/ijsrst.2024.4.1.0023

Food safety means safe food which has evolved as the biggest global threat with international business and public health intervention. Food safety is an assurance that the consumed food is not harmful and prepared in keeping hygiene and sanitation in mind. Low- and middle-income countries have more concerns about food safety and its impacts in public health due to largely increasing population and poverty which dangerously results in poor nutritional health and lower immunity among their people.

The immune system is the first line of defense in our body, it protects us from pathogens and infections. Sometimes over activated immune system due to any foreign body (bacteria, virus, etc.) becomes problematic, because it starts killing host cells. The Addis Ababa international food safety conference (2019) and the Geneva international food safety forum (2019) reinstated the significance of food safety standards in attaining the immunity and nutritional aspects information. Government should give importance to the sanitation of public places. It should also develop a policy for food safety that maintains good immunity power.

Currently, food-borne infections are life-threatening by affecting immune systems. The other people who also need to be taken care of food safety are young children, elderly people, and pregnant women due to the increased risk of severely affecting foodborne disease-causing microorganisms. Food safety is also important for patients whose treatment of certain diseases is ongoing such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, etc.

Kendall P et al. conducted a web-based study on the special importance of food handling practices in lowering the risk of foodborne diseases among antenatal mothers, children, old age and immune-compromised people. The findings revealed that the food handling behaviours were linked to 13 pathogens of foodborne diseases. The data of this study suggested the critical need for specialized focus and efforts on effective food handling behaviours among the vulnerable population to prevent foodborne diseases.

Clements SJ, Carding RS investigated diet, the intestinal microbiota, and immune health in ageing. The findings indicated a significant association between the role of specific, hygienic, and nutritious diet intake and modifications in intestinal microbes’ metabolism. The study suggested specific, food hygienic, and nutritious dietary interventions that might help improve immune health.

Borchers A et al. states food safety is affected by many pathogens and the potential for various foodborne diseases. Fungal toxins can cause chronic infections, impairment of immunity, and systemic toxicities. Excessive industrial production of toxic metals and chemicals can contaminate the entire food chain and a potential threat for food poisoning and carcinogenic exposure. Genetically modified foods are threatening possible health risks to the human population. The findings suggested that critical understanding is required regarding risk factors of food safety to ensure safe food supply and prevention of foodborne diseases among the human population.

The agricultural practices which involve weedicide, pesticide, and insecticide  in excessive quantity can enter into the food chain may also be harmful. Similarly, poor food hygiene such as improper washing vegetables, fruits, etc. can cause bioaccumulation. Unhygienic food can cause malnutrition, diseases such as typhoid, diarrhoea, etc. It can appear as a global health hazard because of fast food becoming popular among youngsters.

References -

Indumathi S, Sharma M. Food Safety, Immunity and COVID-19: A Review. Special Issue - COVID-19 & Other Communicable Disease. 2022; 195-201.

World Health Organization (WHO). Foodborne diseases.  //www.who.int/health-topics/foodborne-diseases#tab=tab

World Health Organization (WHO). Food safety.  //www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety . 

Foodborne illnesses have a major impact on food safety and public health worldwide. In the South-East Asia Region, nearly 150 million people fell ill with food borne diseases in 2010, which led to 175 000 deaths. Of these, 40% of food borne diseases burden was among children under 5 years. Approximately 50% of malnutrition is caused not by a lack of food or poor diet, but due to poor water and sanitation facilities, and unhygienic practices leading to life-threatening disease and infections such as diarrhea (WHO).

Access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food is the key to sustain life and promote good health. It is an essential component of our survival. Healthy and nutritious food leads to a healthy workforce and hence, improving the economy of any country. With advances in fields of medicine, environment, agriculture we are progressing towards modernization and hybrid food and food products which are proposed to be healthy for us but all new technology increases cost of products which sometimes leads to compromise on the safety and effectiveness. Unsafe food creates a vicious circle of disease and malnutrition, particularly affecting infants, young children, elderly and sick. The food borne diseases impede socioeconomic development of any country by increasing expenditure on health system and affecting national economies, tourism and trade. Food borne disease is defined as any disease usually either infectious or toxic in nature, caused by agents that enter the body through ingestion of food.1Food safety is intricately associated with food security and nutrition. Various hazards make food injurious to health. These hazards arise from improper agricultural practices, poor sanitation and hygiene conditions at all stages of the food development ranging from lack of preventive controls in food processing operation, misuse of food additives and chemicals coupled with inappropriate storage and handling (Bavoria et al., 2021).

 In India, the ‘Food Safety and Standards Authority of India sets standards, inspects food businesses, and acts against food safety violators. However, there is still more work to be done, including the effective enforcement of regulations, and thoroughly educating the consumers about food safety. The need of the hour is a multi-dimensional collaboration among different stakeholders to ensure that everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. In developing countries, the hurdles in preventing food adulteration include poor consumer awareness and insufficient resources for the enforcement of food regulations. Despite complications, the ‘Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’ is committed to improving food safety for consumers through cooperation with other agencies, increased enforcement, and public awareness initiatives. Developing countries face lots of challenges in regulating the safety of loose milk and street foods; including the problems of traceability, resource limitations, variety of techniques, cultural acceptance, and financial concerns. A multifaceted strategy that includes infrastructural development, consumer education, regulatory strengthening, and technological acceptance is needed to overcome all these problems linked to the safety of street foods and loose milk. Food regulators must set strict guidelines, conduct regular inspections, and licenses and training for various stakeholders involved. Proper education for customers should increase awareness and provide them with the latest information related to food safety. Access to clean water, sanitary facilities, waste management, and technological adoption should be the main priorities of infrastructure development. Challenges of traceability and labelling in loose milk and street foods include the threats of adulteration, inability to determine the origin, and improper labelling. Vendor registration, uniform labelling, stringent enforcement of food safety regulations, improved supply chain monitoring, consumer education, and technological adoption are all necessary to fully address these problems of food safety (Singh & Punia, 2024)

References:

Bavoria, S., Langeh, S., & Mir, L. A. (2021). Food safety in India: a public health priority. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 8(6), 3193–3197. //doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20211917

Singh, R., Puniya, A. K. (2024). Role of food safety regulations in protecting public health. Indian Journal of Microbiology. DOI:10.1007/s12088-024-01240-7

Food safety is one of the global concerns of the world which still to this date is still not fully resolved, the progress towards solving this issue is going slowly but in a good direction, along with the progress new challenges keep arising as well which requires the collective cooperation of the world to resolve.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO,2022) almost 1 in 10 people in the world – fall ill after eating contaminated food and 420,000 die every year, resulting in the loss of 33 million healthy life years (DALYs).

Food safety in the food market is one of the key areas of focus in public health, because it affects people of every age, race, gender, and income level around the world. US$ 110 billion is lost each year in productivity and medical expenses resulting from unsafe food in low- and middle-income countries (WHO, 2022). The food market increases internationalization of health risks as the food supply chains cross multiple national borders. Therefore, effective national risk-based food control systems are essential to protect the health and safety of the public. Countries need also assure the safety and quality of their foods entering international trade and ensure that imported foods conform to national requirements.

Microplastics are widespread environmental contaminants comprised of plastic pieces <5 mm. Human exposure to microplastics has been confirmed by their presence in the food and water they consume. Microplastics may be internalized by animals, leading to contamination at the time of collection and possibly decrease productivity. Plastic packaging plays an important role in food safety. Processing and packaging can also increase the amount of microplastics in animal products, possibly even exceeding concentrations originally present in the product.

Children under 5 years of age carry 40% of the foodborne disease burden, with 125 000 deaths every year (WHO, 2022). In India, according to NFHS-5, about 18.5% of children are born low birth weight, 32.1% are underweight (weight for < 5 years), 35.5% are stunted (height for age < 5 years), 19.3% are wasted (weight for height). All of these factors are affected by the food safety in India, as it affects the maternal and children nutritional health.

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO) Food safety, (19 May 2022). //www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety .
2. Gizaw Z. Public health risks related to food safety issues in the food market: a systematic literature review. Environ Health Prev Med. 2019 Nov 30;24(1):68. doi: 10.1186/s12199-019-0825-5. PMID: 31785611; PMCID: PMC6885314.
3. National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of India, NFHS-5 (2019-2021).
4. Preventive and social medicine, K. Park (27^th Edition).
5. Prata, J.C.; Dias-Pereira, P. Microplastics in Terrestrial Domestic Animals and Human Health: Implications for Food Security and Food Safety and Their Role as Sentinels. Animals2023, 13, 661. //doi.org/10.3390/ani13040661.

According to the World Health Organization (2022), around 600 million individuals globally suffer from foodborne illnesses annually wherein around 420000 fatalities take place leading to a huge loss of 33 million healthy life years every year.

Thus, Food safety requires a holistic approach to issues such as foodborne pathogens, innovative food safety practices etc. as it is important for the health and well-being of the communities. The research highlights the importance of transparency in food production, and sustainable farming practices, including consumers' role in production methods. 

Helmy YA, El-Adawy H, Sanad YM and Ghanem M (2023) Editorial: Food safety and public health. Front. Microbiol. 14:1169139. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1169139 

​​World Health Organization. (2022, May 19). Food safety. //www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety