This year’s theme is “Food Safety”. At our NPH homes, we strive to train our kitchen staff to exercise correct food management. Fortunately, and thanks to constant improvement and monitoring, NPH has had very few food related outbreaks.

World days create awareness on important and global health threats. The WHO every year picks a different topic. From Farm to plate, make the food safe.

Foodborne illnesses is a global threat causing various illnesses, loss of working days and even death.

• Over 200 diseases are caused by unsafe food
• Two million deaths occur every year from contaminated food or drinking water
• The main cause of foodborne illness are: bacteria, viruses, parasites, prions, and /or chemicals (natural or manmade)

Some Facts from the WHO:

• Proper food preparation may prevent most foodborne diseases
• Contaminated food may cause long term health problems including cancer and neurological issues
• Foodborne diseases affect vulnerable groups: infants, pregnant women, the sick and elderly
• Food safety is multidisciplinary and multi-sectorial; multitude of professionals and departments are working together
• Everyone has a role to play to keep food safe
• Consumers must be well aware on food safety