20. Mr Michael De Shield, Belize, presented a paper on “Improving the effectiveness of national food control systems in the Americas and the Caribbean - a case study of Belize” (AC 05/3). The presenter highlighted the following five strategy areas that Belize identified as important for sustaining effective food control systems:
21. The speaker emphasized that the development of a national food safety policy was fundamental to the sustainability of an effective national food safety programme. The presenter summarized the following as some of the major challenges to improving food safety in the country: a) maintaining technical competencies in a climate of dwindling resources; b) inadequate food-borne disease surveillance programmes; and c) financing of public good services provided by the Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA).
22. The Conference welcomed the document, thanked Belize for presenting the paper and highlighted the value of the experiences of Belize as a model for improving the effectiveness of national food control systems in other countries.
23. The Conference highlighted the need to ensure “institutional memory/continuity” in the light of potentially changing political environments. The importance of investing in the development of technical and professional skills of food safety officials was noted as an approach to alleviate this concern. The importance of support at the political level as well as from the food industry was emphasized, as this support can facilitate the development of clear national food safety objectives and policies to carry forward the necessary reforms.
24. It was noted that a number of “models” exist around the world in terms of institutional reforms that have been implemented to enhance effectiveness of national food control systems. The importance of selecting the appropriate models (or elements of models) that are relevant to each national situation and objectives was noted.
25. A number of additional considerations of particular relevance to enhancing the effectiveness of national food control systems were raised, including the need for the following: a) clarity of roles and responsibilities; b) adequate laboratory infrastructure and human resource capacity; c) food safety education and training; d) adequate infrastructure and resources for food-borne disease surveillance; and e) appropriate consultation and communication mechanisms.
