Kakamega County Food Safety Policy 2023

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 and County 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 county, integrated farm-to-fork food safety system that harmonizes inter-agency efforts, minimizes inter-agency conflict and overlap. The Policy is intended to facilitate the protection of public safety and food trade in a manner consistent with the World Trade Organization (WTO), SPS and other international requirements. This Policy Addresses Food Safety concerns in the broad areas of legal and regulatory framework, information, communication, training and education; official control and inspection services; validation, inspection, certification and self-assessment, monitoring epidemiological surveillance data and laboratory services and Emerging and re-emerging food safety concerns. It also highlights institutional framework, mandates and capacities. The County 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