June 7th marks the celebration of World Food Safety Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role food safety plays in human health, well-being, and overall life quality. Launched by the United Nations in 2018, this day aims to inspire collective action across the globe to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks, thus contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism, and sustainable development.
Why Food Safety Matters
Food safety is fundamental to our health and is an essential component of public health policies worldwide. Unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances causes more than 200 diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 600 million people – almost 1 in 10 worldwide – fall ill after eating contaminated food each year, resulting in 420,000 deaths. These statistics underscore the importance of ensuring that the food we consume is safe.
The Connection Between Livestock and Human Health
As we delve into the topic of food safety, it becomes evident that human health is deeply linked with the health of livestock. Animal-derived foods such as meat, dairy, and eggs are crucial part of human diets. The safety of these products is closely tied to the well-being of the animals from which they come. Therefore, ensuring the well-being of livestock is not only vital for their own health but also for maintaining the safety of the food we eat and protecting public health.
The Threat of Zoonotic Diseases
One of the most significant challenges in food safety related to livestock is the threat of zoonotic diseases. Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, either directly or through food. According to the FAO, 60% of existing human infectious diseases are zoonotic, and approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases are of animal origin. This makes controlling zoonotic diseases a top priority for food safety and public health.
Expanding on the threat of zoonotic diseases, it’s important to provide examples of recent outbreaks or case studies to illustrate the real-world impact of these diseases. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic, believed to have originated from a zoonotic transmission, serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness between animal and human health.
Common Zoonotic Diseases from Livestock
- Salmonellosis: Caused by bacteria in contaminated food products such as meat and eggs, salmonellosis can lead to severe gastrointestinal illnesses. Livestock infected with Salmonella can pass the bacteria to humans through consumption of contaminated products.
- E. coli Infections: Certain strains of E. coli bacteria found in the intestines of cattle can contaminate meat during processing. Consumption of undercooked or contaminated beef can lead to serious infections in humans.
- Campylobacteriosis: This disease is commonly associated with poultry. Handling or consuming undercooked poultry products can result in Campylobacter infections, leading to severe food poisoning in humans.
- Brucellosis: This bacterial infection is transmitted through unpasteurised dairy products and direct contact with infected animals. It can cause fever, joint pain, and fatigue in humans.
- Avian Influenza: While primarily affecting birds, certain strains of avian influenza viruses can infect humans, leading to severe respiratory illnesses.
Transforming Livestock Practices: The STEP UP Project for a Sustainable Future
As we consider the health of our livestock, it’s crucial to reflect on the practices we employ to maintain their well-being. This reflection presents an excellent opportunity to think about the kind of livestock systems we want to establish. We should aim for more sustainable, ethical practices that benefit both animals and people. In this context, the new Horizon Europe project, STEP UP, which began in January 2024 and will run until December 2027, is particularly relevant. The STEP UP is set to transform European Livestock Production Systems (ELPS) by analysing and integrating data from Innovative Livestock Production Systems (ILPS). These cutting-edge, technology-driven techniques are designed to promote more informed and sustainable livestock farming. By improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing animal welfare, STEP UP aims to pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future in livestock production.
Food safety is a major concern that requires collective action from individuals, communities, governments, and organisations worldwide. By raising awareness, adopting best practices and supporting projects like STEP UP, we can work together to ensure a safer and healthier future for all. Join us in celebrating World Safety Day and our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our food supply chain.
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