Increasing human population
With an increasing human population, food security is of great importance. Striving to provide enough food is essential in such a case, which leads to safety concerns. As such, attention to food safety needs to be beefed up to ensure the food consumed is of good quality. Safe food is identified as food that does not have food hazards, that is, chemical, biological, and physical hazards [3].
Increasing foodborne diseases linked to food
Different food-borne disease outbreaks have occurred, such as salmonellosis, Escherichia coli infections, cholera, among others, both in developed and developing countries [3]. With the extent to which such outbreaks affect the quality of life of the many, ensuring the provision of safe food is very important; hence, putting in place regulations governing the quality and safety of food, both locally and internationally sourced, helps reduce chances of infections and poisoning and also curbs the spread of different microbial strains across borders.
Increasing zoonotic diseases
Food safety also protects the consumer from zoonotic diseases, as these diseases’ outbreaks have increased over the years [4]. It is also very important to create awareness on food safety among all the members of the supply chain for a collective effort towards the quality and safety of food [5]. Food safety, therefore, points out to the quality of life and health in the communities.
Increasing toxic chemicals in food are exceeding recommended levels
For instance, the presence of chemical hazards such as toxic compounds in foods has been linked to illnesses such as cancer, and hence important for all stakeholders in handling food to ensure the production and supply of safe food to the consumer. This is a collective responsibility of the farmers, processors, distributors, and sellers as well. A healthy population is a healthy nation. This is reflected in lower health budgets and higher productivity of the working population. Safe food products also result in access to international markets, which will, in turn, help grow the economy.
