The enormous complexity of food production, trade, and consumption poses several challenges that require attention all along the food chain. Yet, when it comes to the consumer, all that matters is that the food we eat is safe and nutritious. To that end, a joint Food and Agriculture Organization–World Health Organization (FAO–WHO)­ virtual event today brought together relevant actors in Europe and Central Asia for World Food Safety Day, to discuss ways of improving food safety in the context of sustainable food systems.

World Food Safety Day focusses attention and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of food safety, demonstrate appropriate actions to prevent illness, and foster collaboration across sectors for improved food safety. Every year in Europe and Central Asia alone, over 23 million people fall sick from foodborne illness, burdening most heavily the poor and young. In addition, foodborne illness is responsible for 5 000 preventable deaths every year.