The answer is related to the definition of both food security and food safety
Food security is a state of having a stable and sufficient or adequate supply of food.food security is the necessity for people to have access to food.while food safety simply means freedom from any hazards (physical, chemical and microbial hazards).Food safety is the need for people to have food that is free of contamination.
Food Security is the availability and accessibility of food for all people at all times. on the other hand, food safety refers to the proper handling procedures applied during food preparation, processing, storage and distribution.
Food security is a situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical, Social, and Economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Food is the process whereby food is preserved from spoilage
Food safety and food security are related concepts but address different aspects of food system. to explore this, we shall look at their definitions, focus and the major components of each of them.
To begin with, food safety refers to the need of consumers having food free of contamination. the major focus here is the immediate health risk and hazards of consuming contaminated food.
Food safety encompasses chemical safety which entails control of allergens and other chemical substances that can be life-threatening when consumed with food, microphysical safety that focuses on the absence of foreign particles such as glass or metals which can cause injury to the consumer, microbiological safety is an aspect of prevention of foodborne illnesses cause by pathogenic bacteria, viruses and toxins when food is contaminated by the latter.
In summary, food safety ensures food does not contain harmful substances or pathogens that can cause sickness when people consume.
on the contrary, food security is the necessity of people of to access to affordable nutritious food in right quantities at all times. therefore, food security comprises of availability which focus to the sufficient supply of food to meet the population's need, access that entails ensuring that everyone can afford and physically access nutritious food, utilization which refers to proper use of food for health and wellbeing of the consumers and finally, stability which refers to consistent access to food overtime even during crises. Hence, food security concepts focuses on issues related to poverty, distribution and infrastructures to ensure everyone has enough to eat.
To conclude, both food safety and food security and essential elements when addressing poverty and zero hunger Sustainable Development goals for the well being of the rapidly growing population.
Food Security is the measure of and individual's ability to access food that is nutritious and sufficient in quantity.
While Food Safety refers to handling, preparing and storing food in a way to best reduce the risk individuals becoming sick from foodborne illnesses.
In addition to the above, food security has 4 pillars namely; Availability, Access, Utilisation and Stability. In essence, these 4 should be met at the same time, for the definition to be complete.
Food security:
Definition: Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
Focus: Availability, access, utilization, and stability of food supply.
Concerns: Hunger, malnutrition, poverty, access to resources, climate change, political instability.
Examples: Ensuring enough food is produced, distributing food to those in need, providing education on nutrition and food preparation.
Food safety:
Definition: Food safety is the assurance that food will not cause harm to the consumer when it is prepared and/or eaten according to its intended use.
Focus: Preventing foodborne illness from biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
Concerns: Contamination of food with bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, chemicals, or foreign objects.
Examples: Proper food handling practices, hygiene, temperature control, food labeling, regulatory oversight.
Key differences:
Scope: Food security is a broader concept that encompasses food safety, but also includes other factors like access and affordability.
Focus: Food safety focuses specifically on preventing foodborne illness, while food security focuses on ensuring everyone has access to enough nutritious food.
Concerns: Food security addresses issues like hunger, malnutrition, and poverty, while food safety addresses issues like food contamination and foodborne illness.
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