World Food Safety Day 2026: Unsafe Food Kills 1.52M - GDN365

World Food Safety Day 2026: Manipal Hospital Dhakuria Experts Warn Unsafe Food Kills 1.52 Million Yearly | GDN365 Report

 Reported by Sanchita chatterjee KOLKATA, INDIA - As the world observes World Food Safety Day 2026 on June 7, leading medical experts from Manipal Hospital Dhakuria have issued a stern warning about the deadly impact of unsafe food consumption. According to global health data and hospital research, contaminated food causes approximately 1.52 million deaths every year, making it one of the most overlooked public health crises of our time.

Dr. Anirban Chatterjee, Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, stated that foodborne illnesses are not limited to underdeveloped regions. "We are seeing a sharp rise in cases of food poisoning, bacterial infections, and long-term organ damage due to unsafe food handling and adulteration, even in urban areas like Kolkata. The problem is growing because people trust packaged food without checking labels, and street vendors often skip basic hygiene," he said during a press briefing.

The World Health Organization defines food safety as the absence of physical, chemical, and biological hazards that can cause harm to consumers. However, experts warn that unsafe food practices continue to claim lives across all age groups. Children under 5 years, elderly citizens, and people with weak immunity face the highest risk. Common illnesses include Salmonella, E. coli infection, hepatitis A, and typhoid, which can lead to dehydration, kidney failure, and in severe cases, death.

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria reported a 22% increase in food poisoning cases during the summer months of 2025 compared to the previous year. The hospital’s data shows that most cases were linked to contaminated water, unrefrigerated dairy products, and street food prepared in unhygienic conditions. Dr. Priya Sen, Clinical Nutritionist at the hospital, emphasized that prevention is simple but ignored. "Wash hands before eating, cook food thoroughly, store leftovers at safe temperatures, and avoid raw food from unknown sources. These four steps can save thousands of lives," she explained.

World Food Safety Day 2026, themed "Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected," focuses on strengthening food safety systems and encouraging consumers to be more alert. The United Nations and WHO are urging governments, food businesses, and individuals to work together to reduce foodborne risks. In India, FSSAI has increased inspections, but experts say public awareness remains low.

GDN365 spoke to local residents in Dhakuria and found that most people are unaware of the 1.52 million annual death figure. Riya Das, a college student, said, "I never thought unsafe food could be this dangerous. We eat outside daily without thinking." This lack of awareness is exactly what doctors want to change.

Experts recommend five golden rules for food safety: Keep clean, Separate raw and cooked food, Cook thoroughly, Keep food at safe temperatures, and Use safe water and raw materials. Following these rules can drastically cut the risk of infection.

As World Food Safety Day 2026 reminds us, every meal is a choice. Choosing safe food is choosing life. GDN365 urges readers to share this report and spread awareness. One share can prevent one death.

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 Food Safety Day 2026: Manipal Hospital Dhakuria Experts Warn on Unsafe Food | Sanchita Chatterjee ReportWorld Food Safety Day 2026: Manipal Hospital Dhakuria Experts Warn on Unsafe Food | Sanchita Chatterjee Report Food Safety Day 2026: Manipal Hospital Dhakuria Experts Warn on Unsafe Food | Sanchita Chatterjee Report

World Food Safety Day 2026: Manipal Hospital Dhakuria Experts Warn on Unsafe Food | Sanchita Chatterjee Report