Did you know that the food on your plate could either power your brain or make you very sick?
Did you know that the food on your plate could either power your brain or make you very sick?
Every year on 7 June, the world celebrates World Food Safety Day. In 2026, the theme is 'From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere.' This special day was created by the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) to remind everyone – from farmers and cooks to children and families – that the food we eat must be safe, clean, and healthy. In Singapore, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) works hard every day to make sure that the food sold in hawker centres, supermarkets, and restaurants meets strict safety standards so that everyone stays healthy.
But what exactly makes food unsafe? Food can become dangerous when it is not stored properly, when it is left out in the heat for too long, or when it is touched by dirty hands. Bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli are tiny germs that can grow on food and cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include stomachaches, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever. In serious cases, food poisoning can send people to the hospital. That is why simple habits like washing your hands before eating, keeping raw meat away from cooked food, and making sure food is cooked at the right temperature are so important.
In Singapore, we are very lucky to have a wide variety of food from many cultures – Chinese, Malay, Indian, and more. Our hawker centres are famous around the world and were even recognised by UNESCO. However, even the most delicious chicken rice or roti prata can cause illness if the food is not handled safely. Students can play their part too! When you buy food at the school canteen, check that it looks fresh and smells good. Always wash your hands before eating. If food tastes strange or smells bad, do not eat it and tell an adult immediately. These small actions protect not just you, but everyone around you.
Food safety is also linked to sustainability and fairness. The 2026 World Food Safety Day theme reminds us that unsafe food is a burden – it causes illness, costs money, and wastes precious food resources. When food is safe and people are healthy, children can concentrate better in school, workers can be more productive, and families can save money on medical bills. Learning about food safety is not just a science lesson – it is a life skill. As iGlobal students, you are encouraged to share what you learn with your family, ask questions about where your food comes from, and make healthy, safe food choices every single day.
