• World Food Safety Day 2023 highlights growing concerns, need for collective action

IN the Caribbean, the rise of foodborne diseases (FBDs) has become a pressing public health issue.

The escalating number of reported cases and outbreaks of gastroenteritis and foodborne illnesses in CARPHA Member States underscores the urgency of addressing this problem. CARPHA, the Caribbean Public Health Agency, emphasises that reducing FBDs is crucial not only for enhancing food safety but also for promoting food security, a vital sustainable development goal. Moreover, the implications of FBDs extend beyond health, affecting economies, trade, tourism, and the reputation of the Caribbean.

A recent Caribbean burden of illness study, encompassing select CARPHA Member States, revealed that approximately 1 in 49 individuals (equivalent to around 142,000 persons) in the Caribbean experience foodborne illnesses each year due to potential consumption of contaminated food or beverages. The prevalence of such illnesses rises to 1 in 11 individuals during mass gatherings, which the culturally diverse Caribbean is renowned for. These events include festivities, carnivals, cricket matches, food fairs, and holiday celebrations. Alarmingly, over 40% of these cases involve children aged 1 to 4 years. The economic impact of gastroenteritis, the primary symptom of foodborne illness, amounts to an estimated USD $21 million annually, highlighting the significant burden on the health and economy of the Caribbean.

Common pathogens transmitted through contaminated food and water in the region include Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli 0157, Listeria, Norovirus, and Giardia. Most FBDs are zoonoses, meaning they are infectious diseases that can be naturally transmitted between animals and humans, often originating at the farm level. Toxins and chemicals present in food and water also contribute to foodborne illnesses.

Food standards play a crucial role in ensuring safety and quality, providing guidelines for hygienic food handling. World Food Safety Day 2023 adopts the theme “Food Standards Save Lives” to underscore the critical role that standards play in safeguarding consumers. This annual observance, held on June 7, aims to raise awareness about safe food practices and emphasise the global importance of food safety.

Climate change is another factor that can influence food safety by causing long-term changes in weather patterns. The abundance and transmission of food and waterborne pathogens, especially in the aftermath of disasters such as storms and severe flooding, can be affected by climate change.

Although the international scientific community is gradually building evidence regarding the links between climate change and food safety, the specific risks and the Caribbean region’s ability to respond to climate-driven food-related outbreaks have not been comprehensively assessed.

Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director at CARPHA, highlights the vulnerability of the Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean to the effects of climate change on food safety and food security. She emphasises the necessity for the region to adopt a focused, multisectoral approach to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

CARPHA is currently collaborating with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on the EU/CARIFORUM Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems in the Caribbean project. This initiative aims to implement climate-integrated food safety initiatives in the Caribbean. As part of the project, a series of videos addressing climate risks and food safety have been produced. Additionally, a joint agency webinar was recently conducted, emphasising the effects of climate change on food safety and the importance of strengthening food safety surveillance in the region. The webinar discussed climate adaptation and mitigation measures within the Caribbean context, with a specific focus on seafood safety. Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago have been selected as pilot countries for the development and implementation of climate-resilient national food and water safety plans by mid-2024.

Preventing foodborne illnesses is largely achievable through interventions in food preparation, production, processing, and storage. Implementing measures to prevent contamination can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne diseases.

To effectively address FBDs and improve food safety in the Caribbean, CARPHA is implementing an integrated foodborne diseases programme that incorporates epidemiological, laboratory, environmental, and veterinary aspects of surveillance and response. This comprehensive approach, both regionally and nationally, includes surveillance, training, capacity building, outbreak investigation and research, and preparation and control measures to promote food safety.

CARPHA has already trained and certified over 500 individuals in advanced food safety across nine Member States. Furthermore, the agency has developed a suite of standards encompassing hospitality, health, food safety, and environmental aspects. These standards serve as the foundation for developing an effective food safety programme for the hospitality industry. They cover various aspects, including hygiene, protective wear, clean kitchen facilities and utensils, handling of contaminated food, waste disposal and storage, emergency response protocols, staff training, and monitoring to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Food safety is a shared responsibility that involves the entire supply chain, from producers to consumers. CARPHA calls upon both the public and private sectors, emphasising that everyone involved in the process of growing, processing, transporting, storing, distributing, selling, preparing, serving, or consuming food plays a vital role in ensuring its safety.

As the Caribbean commemorates World Food Safety Day, the spotlight is on the need for collaboration and concerted efforts to improve food safety throughout the region. By prioritising food safety, the Caribbean can safeguard the health and well-being of its population, enhance its reputation as a tourist destination, and protect its vital industries.