The Ministry of Agriculture in Uganda is in the process of formulating recommendations to establish a Food and Agriculture Authority in the country. This Authority aims to coordinate various public institutions involved in ensuring the safety of food and feeds throughout the production and consumption process.
In a recent consultative meeting discussing new legislation for food safety, consultants suggested that the Food and Agriculture Authority should operate under both the Health and Agriculture Ministries. The proposed Food and Feeds Law Bill seeks to ensure the safe production, distribution, processing, marketing, and preparation of food for human consumption, covering the entire supply chain from the farm to consumption.
Mr. Kedera Chagema, the coordinator of the Food and Feeds Law, referenced Kenya’s Food and Feeds Bill, which integrates the requirements for both food and feed safety.
The World Health Organization estimates that around 600 million people globally fall ill after consuming contaminated food, leading to 420,000 deaths annually. Foodborne diseases have significant economic implications, straining healthcare systems, and affecting national economies, tourism, and trade.
While there were concerns in the consultative meeting about whether the Health Ministry should be involved, Mr. Bright Rwamirama, the State Minister for Animal Industry, emphasized the need to overcome silos within government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. He underscored the importance of making tough decisions to address this issue and highlighted the need for competency profiling.
Foodborne illnesses cost low- and middle-income countries an estimated $100 billion in lost productivity and medical expenses, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.
