AMMAN — The world celebrates
World Food Safety Day on June
7th to draw attention to the prevention and detection of foodborne hazards and
contribute to food security, human health, economic prosperity, and
agriculture. The pandemic has changed this year’s celebration, however.
اضافة اعلان
Experts, doctors, and scientists have raised concerns
regarding how the quality of food that people consume can have a direct impact
on their immunity — an important consideration for fighting diseases like
COVID-19.
Mohamed Obeidat, Head of the National Society for Consumer
Protection, told Jordan News that, "I rely primarily on the awareness of
citizens. The majority of people only buy food that they know is safe, clean,
and suitable for human use especially in the difficult conditions we are
facing."
"I wish that the Jordan Food & Drug Administration
would intensify its inspection and control rounds on food stores and markets,”
he added. “This is a must to guarantee that the food conforms to safety
standards."
"I want to emphasize that it is also the food stores’
and markets’ responsibility not to sell food that is not suitable for human
use. They must have a conscience and awareness that it is their role to help in
protecting society."
"I can say that food conditions in Jordan are fine and
satisfactory because of the efforts of both the citizens and government,"
Obeidat concluded.
Jordan has had its own share of food safety challenges. In
July of 2020, hundreds were hospitalized and at least one child died during a
food poisoning outbreak, according to the AFP. The culprit was shawerma offered
at a low price in Baqaa. Additionally, a
2020 study found that street vendors
in Jordan had very limited knowledge about food safety, with close to half
(48.3 percent) of vendors having never received any food training courses.
Isaac Tawil, a medical doctor, framed food safety as related
to nutrition and overall healthy diets. He told Jordan News that "proper
and healthy nutrition requires following a healthy eating pattern that includes
a variety of nutritious foods and drinks, containing the nutrients the body
needs to maintain health, to feel comfortable, and obtain energy."
"Eating healthy throughout life also helps in reducing
the risk of malnutrition in all its forms, and reducing the risk of developing
a range of diseases and non-communicable health conditions,” he added.
A source from the Jordan Food and Drug Administration told
Jordan News that "the cadres of the administration have intensified their
monitoring and inspection tours on food markets and restaurants,"
confirming that "the administration does not tolerate anyone who
contravenes with public health standards."
The source indicated that "citizens have a major role
too in helping us catch those perpetrators; they should not ignore any small
infringement they face. The administration is always there to protect them,
receive their complaints, and take them into consideration.”
A resolution to celebrate World Food Safety Day was adopted
by the United Nations in 2018.
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National News
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