Examining the nexus of climate change and food safety: A review

The impact of climate change on food security and safety is enormous due to its far-reaching effects on food production and distribution, foodborne diseases, agricultural pests, and extreme weather events. Rising temperatures have affected crop production especially in semi-arid areas due to reduced water availability for crop production while greenhouse gas emmisions have been linked to an increase in the activity and range of food pests. Increased temperature have also impacted food safety with increased incidence of foodborne diseases due to its effect on bacteria virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance genes, and modification of human lifestyle activities. This study takes a holistic view of the multifaceted mechanisms through which climate change affects both food security and food safety. We evaluate the impact of extreme weather events—such as droughts and flooding—on crop and livestock production, food availability, and socioeconomic stability, as well as their role in exacerbating the incidence and severity of foodborne diseases. Finally, the study highlights the need for resilient food systems, advocating for safe agricultural practices, the cultivation of drought-resistant crops to mitigate climate-related risks, and strengthened food safety measures, including enhanced monitoring, improved cold chain management, and stricter food handling regulations to reduce the risk of foodborne diseases.