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Food Safety is a
shared Responsibility
QMS Advisor &
Introduction:
Risk associated with consuming unfit /unsafe food can be fatal..Annually 420000 lives are claimed due to food poisoning worldwide and one person in every 10 people fall sick for the same reason.These and earlier statistics has drawn attention and convinced concerned organizations, the World Health Organization(WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization( FAO) to respond and decided to work together develop standard to mitigate risk associated with handling and processing of food..
1.Causes of food poisoning (foodborne diseases):
Various contaminants described as food Safety hazards can find their way to food. These include biological agents as bacteria,viruses and parasites, physical as metal shavings and radiations. The chemical hazard include pesticides,cleaning and maintenance detergents.
2.Route of entry to the food chain of these contaminants: This varies and usually related to inhygienic practices involved in handling various processes from farm to end product storage…
3.If we miss to identify the hazard,we will not control it:
To identify these hazards, focus and careful scrutiny shall be placed on each individual step of processes throughout the chain from receiving, processing from primary production to final end product. This is the essence of a robust Food Safety management system which entails a full engagement of all stakeholders to materialize the ultimate goal ,,Safe Food,,
For farmers as food growers,good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Veterinary Practices(GVP) are the pre-requisite for a Safe and a wholesome produce.For fruits and vegetables, utmost care must be taken as these food items are mostly consumed fresh.
Scientifically sound practices must be adopted throughout the cultivation practices from land preparation through to weeds and pest control up till harvest and storage.Thus, GAP remains a shared responsibility between stakeholders involved beside the regulatory bodies.
4.Stakeholders mapping is vital to define responsibilities assuring Food Safety:
Food Growers, food manufacturers and food service providers shall work hand-in-hand with governmental institutions to adopt the relevant benchmark and regulations.
5.Governance is the Driver:
No matter what governments arrangements are, governance is needed to assure bindig rules and regulations are respected and adhered to by all stakeholders. Institutions responsible for product and material specifications, methodology and practices shall be responsibly involved to support all aspects required by the chosen Food Safety standard,Notably, council of pesticides and herbicides aiming at responsible and rational use to control risk arising from misuse of chemicals by farmers. Current WHO approved list of pesticides and herbicides must be consulted for more assurance..( WHO Approved list of pesticides)
6.Role of Legislative and Regulatory Institutions:
Setting and enforcing standards to be met by all stakeholders involved in the food chain to ensure good hygiene practices.
Establishing and empowering Food Safety Authority as a sole focal point achieve the objectives. Food Safety Authority may play a greater role coordinating work with WHO/FAO joint committee, (fao.org) to tackle potential Food Safety emergencies. Hence protecting consumers against ill health effects associated with consuming unsafe food.Emergency Response(EMERES) contingency plan .( who-fao INFOSAN).
Conducting a well planned and coordinated rehearsal helps much to ensure Preparedness to swiftly respond to the emergencies when they occur assuming worse scenarios e.g,,
(High level of radiation detected in milk powder,,or Salmonella typhy detected in eggs)
7.Pragmatic Food Safety Management System is a winner:
For efficient and workable food Safety management system,government regulator shall choose the most realistic HACCP Based system and make mandatory. CODEX HACCP principles http://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/en/ and related support program remains the choice for food manufacturers and food service providers. Room for improvement is always there especially when it comes to the standard of the existing food processing and storage facility. Municipal regulator may exert some control by stipulating standard to be met for licence to operate for new food business. Large scale food manufacturers may go beyond compliance.ie latest version of Food Safety standard.
8.Law is the safeguard
A clear provision in law to be dedicated for food business to address all types of violations and infringes including inhygienic practices and adultrations that can put consumers at risk. Stringent penalties shall be legalized and imposed on violators with charges that are commensurate with the level of the liability.Jurisdiction is only effective when consumers know their legal right and duty of care principles.
9.Food Inspection is a wakeup call:
What municipal officials inspect, food handlers and traders respect,,
Inspection is a strong message to food dealers. Thus, viewed as a serious business.
Joint team of competent food inspectors,public health officers and consumer protection personnel may carryout planned inspection visits to check level of compliance against binding benchmark referring to a checklist which is nothing but legal requirements pertaining to food law and standard requirements.
Investigative visits may also be initiated when complains of food violation cases are raised or food poisoning case is reported. Findings must be reported supported by evidence and laboratory analysis if circumstances demand and violation taken suitably punitive in accordance with the law and legislations.
10.Training department remains vital to deliver the expectations by all stakeholders and keep them abreast of latest relevant standard and emerging risks.
11.Role of the media is equally important as a stakeholder:
Media play an important role in raising awareness among the community on food safety aspects and the right of the consumer to have Safe food.Simple message on main and most critical aspects to consider when buying food products. To mention few,label,nutritional facts,expiry date,sign of taint and spoilage,storage temperature,packing method,,ect
Caption and cartoon are attractive to use convey the message.TV and community radio is the best practice to address people in their respective dialect utilizing multi discipline approach including consumers protection personnel.
12.Consumer Protection is noble business:
Inculcating and promoting the consumer protection culture among the community is an immense task to be praised especially when it comes to protecting people from ill health effects associated with consuming unsafe food. A mission that can’t be materialized without determination and dedication bearing in mind scope of the Food Safety and the diverse stakeholders involved rendering it a very demanding job.
Sustained and more focused awareness program emphasizing the consumer right to have safe food remains an essential function of the consumer protection association,not to mention the legal support.
Partnership with stakeholders is pivotal for a sustained and relentless consumer’s right sake.
Esam Awad
QMS Advisor &
Food Safety Expert
