Unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemicalsubstances causes more than 200 diseases that claim an estimated 2million lives globally each year, said the World Health Organisation(WHO) in Vietnam.

WHO in Vietnam made the warning on the occasion of World Health Day (April 7).

Theorganisation marks World Health Day this year by applauding thegovernment for its commitment to improve food safety in Vietnam. It alsourges all consumers and producers to observe food safety to save livesand improve people’s health.

"Food safety assurance is theresponsibility of all consumers and producers along the food chain fromfarm to plate," WHO Acting Representative Jeffery Kobza said in a pressrelease.

"Food producers, manufacturers and traders in Vietnamneed to take responsibility for the safety of food they produce andtrade while consumers must take preventive measures and follow good foodsafety practices."

According to WHO, unsafe food containingharmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances, causes morethan 200 diseases – ranging from diarrhoea to chronic diseases such ascancers. Unsafe food creates a vicious cycle of disease andmalnutrition, particularly affecting children and older people.

Diseasescaused by unsafe food impede socioeconomic development, burdenhealth-care systems, and harm national economies, tourism and trade.

WHOis working with the Vietnam Food Administration and other key partnersto promote people’s health through ensuring food safety.-VNA