13. Dr Cheikh Ndiaye, FAO Regional Food and Nutrition Officer for Africa, presented the contents of the first discussion paper on “National food safety systems in Africa - a situation analysis (CAF 05/2).” The discussion papers and a list of Conference Room Documents (CRDs) for the Conference can be found in Annexes 9 and 10. The speaker indicated that the paper was intended to be a general overview of the situation in the region, and that countries were invited to provide more information on the various aspects of their national food control systems to complement that presented in the tables annexed to the document. He highlighted the importance of food safety and the short and long term benefits and costs of food safety systems. The presentation further outlined the situation regarding various aspects of national food control systems, such as food legislation, risk assessment, food inspection, laboratory support, and participation in Codex standard setting activities. Multiple recommendations for improving national food safety systems were presented and are included in the relevant section of the recommended five-year strategic plan for food safety in Africa (strategic plan).
14. The conference expressed its appreciation to FAO for preparing the paper and agreed on the importance of strengthening national food control systems and the needs of the region in this regard.
15. Delegations provided further information on various aspects of their national food control system to supplement that in the tables and commented on specific facets of food safety control of interest. The conference noted the important role of consumers in national food safety systems, along with the need for increased consumer education. The importance of sharing successful experiences in food safety, such as the case study of street foods in Ghana, among the countries of the region was also highlighted. Various member countries informed of their legislation in the area of biotechnology, their institutional arrangements in food safety control and other aspects of national food safety systems.
16. The conference noted the essential nature of raising the awareness of the need for food safety, as well as actually strengthening the practices of the food industry in their countries. The importance of sensitizing government policymakers on food safety concerns and the necessity of basing food safety legislation on science were also underlined. The need for effective food control laboratories was also noted, as well as the great expense involved in strengthening laboratories.
17. The conference highlighted the importance of strengthening all aspects of national food control systems, including enforcement of legislation, as well as the need for increased funding and political will to enable this to occur. It was also emphasized that countries are at various stages of strengthening their food control systems and that many positive developments are also taking place in the region, which should be recognized in the document and further encouraged.
