FOOD HYGIENE AND NUTRITION AS KEY DETERMINANTS OF PUBLIC HEALTH: EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW

Food hygiene and proper nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining public health and preventing nutrition-related non-communicable and infectious diseases. Inadequate food hygiene practices contribute significantly to foodborne illnesses, while improper dietary patterns increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. This review article analyzes the importance of food hygiene within the framework of nutritional science, emphasizing safe food handling, storage, preparation, and consumption. Evidence from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and peer-reviewed scientific literature is synthesized to highlight the relationship between food hygiene and health outcomes. The article also discusses global challenges, preventive strategies, and the role of public education in improving food hygiene practices.