Food safety starts with healthy plants, as agricultural plants make up 80% of the food consumed by humans. Following the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, June 7 became World Food Safety Day. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the significance and future of safe food, as well as promote measures to prevent, detect, and manage the risks associated with food contaminants. This year’s event also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, emphasizing the slogan “Food standards save lives” (source: https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/en/).

Ensuring food safety is a crucial aspect of human health and a national and global priority in the new millennium. As early as 1963, the International Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization recognized the risks pertaining to food safety and established the Codex Alimentarius International Food Standards Program and the Codex Alimentarius Commission as the responsible entities for implementing standards, guidelines, and good practices. The objective was to safeguard human health, protect consumer interests, and facilitate good business practices in international trade.

At the European Union level, in 2002, the establishment of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) took place in response to numerous food sector crises that eroded consumer confidence in the safety of food supplies. The EFSA functions as an independent scientific source of advice and information. Today, European Union legislation works to mitigate risks associated with the entire food chain, from production to consumption.

World Food Safety Day, along with the 60th anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, presents an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and the future challenges in food safety, which is a shared responsibility. Food safety forms the foundation of food security and is key to transforming food systems into sustainable, equitable, and resilient ones. This transformation is vital for improving production, nutrition, the environment, and overall quality of life.

On this significant World Food Safety Day, delegates from the Western Balkan Plant Protection Services are initiating discussions on the transposition of the New Plant Health Regime within the PHWB project. This initiative also aims to protect health and facilitate trade.