World Food Safety Day 2026: Safe Food Is Everyone's Responsibility

In 2026, the focus is on the importance of coordinated action by governments, businesses, and the public to minimize risks throughout the food chain—from production to consumption.

Food Safety Is a Key Component of Public Health

Food safety is one of the fundamental pillars of good health. Contaminated food can cause at least 200 different diseases and affects health, livelihoods, education, and economies worldwide. In most cases, however, foodborne illnesses can be prevented by avoiding contamination of food with pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, or harmful chemicals.

World Food Safety Day highlights the importance of collecting data on foodborne diseases and their burden in order to address the problem more effectively and efficiently. By identifying key risk factors and implementing evidence-based measures, safer food can be achieved for everyone.

Iceland – Unique Strengths and Challenges

In Iceland, the overall situation is good, and there is strong public trust in food inspection systems and food production. Maintaining this position requires ongoing monitoring, education, and responsible behavior from everyone involved in the handling of food.

Icelandic agriculture and food production have certain unique characteristics, partly due to the country's geographic isolation and strict regulations on the importation of animals and food products. At the same time, increasing globalization, tourism, and changing dietary habits present new challenges. Climate change may also affect the spread of disease vectors and pathogens.

From Burden to Solutions

Foodborne diseases can affect anyone, anywhere, and understanding the scale of the problem enables national authorities and businesses to take targeted action. Everyone involved in the food chain—from farmers and producers to transport operators, retailers, regulators, food service professionals, and consumers—benefits from scientific research and clear guidance on how best to prevent food contamination and the diseases that result from it.

Governments can use data to develop cost-effective policies and interventions, food industry businesses can improve their practices, and individuals can make informed decisions based on reliable evidence.

The Role of the Public

Food safety is not solely the responsibility of authorities and producers; consumers also play a vital role. Through simple actions, the public can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne infections:

• Wash hands thoroughly before preparing food and after handling raw meat or fish.

• Ensure proper cooking and storage temperatures for food.

• Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate.

• Consume food before its “use-by” date and ensure proper refrigeration.

The Chief Epidemiologist encourages the public to familiarize themselves with guidance on safe food handling and to adopt good food safety practices in everyday life. If foodborne illness or outbreaks are suspected, reports can be submitted to the Chief Epidemiologist, the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST), and/or the local health authorities.

Continued Education and Awareness

On this day, emphasis is placed on raising awareness of the importance of food safety and encouraging responsible behavior. Through a shared commitment, we can continue to ensure that food in Iceland remains safe, wholesome, and supportive of the nation’s health and well-being.

Further Information and Guidance on Food Safety

• About the campaign.

• WHO Foodborne Disease Estimates 2026 Edition.

• About the WHO Foodborne Disease Burden Estimates Group.

• WHO Estimates of the Global, Regional, and National Burden of 42 Foodborne Infectious and Chemical Hazards, 2000–2021: An Updated Data Synthesis. The Lancet, June 2026.

• Unsafe Food Causes 866 Million Illnesses and 1.5 Million Deaths Annually; Young Children at Highest Risk. World Health Organization (WHO).

• From Burden to Solutions: Safe Food Everywhere – Communication Toolkit. World Health Organization (WHO), June 2026.

Chief Epidemiologist