The National Food Safety Policy 2013

Abstract

The Kenyan food safety control system is multi-sectoral in approach and is embodied in various statutes implemented by various Government ministries/departments and regulatory agencies. The coordination mechanism among these institutions is currently inadequate. This has created inefficiencies in the national food safety control system resulting in recurrence of food related hazards, rejections of food shipments by importing countries and other undesirable consequences. The overall objective of this policy is to establish and maintain a rational, integrated farm-to:fork food safety system that harmonizes inter-agency efforts, minimizes inter-agency conflict and overlap, and ensures the protection of public safety and food trade in a manner consistent with WTO/SPS and other international requirements. This policy addresses Food Safety concerns in the broad areas of legal and regulatory framework, information, education and communication; traceability; infrastructure and Capacity; Emerging and re-emerging food safety challenges; validation, inspection, certification and self assessment; institutional framework, mandates and capacities'; Monitoring and Evaluation. The National Food Safety policy envisages protecting and promoting consumer health while facilitating the orderly development of the food industries as well as fair practices in food trade. The policy will also help Kenya to fulfil the international obligations, particularly those arising from membership in the World Trade Organization. Further, through the implementation of this policy, all the existing food control infrastructure and services will be effectively coordinated to eliminate areas of overlap and conflict.