The Bangladesh Food Safety Foundation (BFSF) took a leading role in raising awareness about food safety during World Food Safety Day 2021. On June 7th, they collaborated with the Bangladesh Supermarket Owners Association (BSOA) and the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association (BROA) to host a crucial discussion. The theme, “Responsibilities of Different Stakeholders in Ensuring Production and Delivery of Safer Food for All,” brought together food sector leaders, professionals like scientists and chefs, government officials, academics, and representatives from multilateral development organizations. This diverse group engaged in a vital conversation about strengthening food safety practices throughout Bangladesh.
Spreading the Message:
Understanding that awareness is key to positive change, the BFSF embarked on a multi-pronged outreach campaign. A customized e-poster, inspired by the UN World Food Safety Day poster, became a central element. This poster was distributed to a wide audience, including members of various food businesses (383), editors and news heads from electronic and print media (116), representatives from diplomatic missions and international organizations in Bangladesh (106), leaders of NGOs and INGOs (367), food safety professionals (1267), and government personnel, executives, and political leaders (418). This diverse group received the e-poster via email, ensuring a broad dissemination of the message.
Going Beyond Print:
The BFSF understood the power of digital communication. An additional email, featuring statements and impactful images, further amplified the message. This email reached the same target audience as the e-poster, further solidifying their understanding of food safety’s importance.
Reaching Diverse Audiences:
Recognizing that information needs to be accessible in various formats, the BFSF also developed an e-flier focusing on the “Five Keys to Safer Food” – a globally recognized framework. This informative flier was uploaded to the websites of numerous food-related associations, expanding the reach beyond immediate email contacts.
Mobile Engagement:
The BFSF leveraged SMS technology to reach a wider audience. Over 3,500 individuals with an interest in food safety, both professionals and non-professionals, received a text message reminding them of the importance of World Food Safety Day. This simple yet effective communication strategy ensured the message resonated with a broad segment of the population.
Building a Strong Foundation:
The BFSF website (fsfbd.org) became a central hub for campaign materials. Both the original e-poster and a customized version co-branded with the BSOA were uploaded to the website. This provided easy access to information for anyone seeking to learn more about food safety practices.
Call to Action:
World Food Safety Day serves as a powerful reminder that ensuring safe food for all requires a collaborative effort. By working together, consumers, businesses, and policymakers can create a lasting impact. Consumers can make informed choices by understanding food safety practices at home. Businesses can implement best practices throughout the supply chain, from sourcing ingredients to preparing and serving food. Finally, policymakers can develop and enforce effective regulations that prioritize food safety.