Secondary schools in Tongatapu marked the World Food Safety Day 2024 with the theme ‘Food Safety - Prepare for the unexpected', through a Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry programme that raised awareness of the importance of food safety.

The annual World Food Safety Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018, and is recognized globally every 7 June, promoting actions to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks.

"This year’s theme, ‘Food Safety - Prepare for the unexpected,’ resonates deeply with us in Tonga, as we have experiences with the unforeseen challenges of tsunamis, volcanic eruption, cyclones, and the COVID-19 pandemic," MAFF stated.

Education

The Ministry visited secondary schools in Tongatapu offering presentations on the '5 Keys to Safer Food', at Tonga High School, Tupou College, Tailulu College, St. Andrews and Tonga College.

"By engaging with students at secondary schools, we are not only raising awareness but also empowering the young generation of Tonga to be the vanguards of food safety in the future," MAFF stated.

The 5 Keys to Safer Food:

1. Keep clean;
2. Separate raw and cooked;
3. Cook thoroughly;
4. Keep food at safe temperature;
5. Use safe water and raw materials.