A Renewed Focus on Food Safety in Egypt
The food safety system of Egypt is undergoing a major transition: the newly established National Food Safety Authority (NFSA). NFSA will oversee the safety of food products with the aim to improve the regulatory oversight and efficiency in the food system.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a workshop to shed more light on risk-based approaches in ensuring food safety in the grain sector. Participants included both private and public wheat importers, flour millers, and other government agencies whose roles intersect with NFSA.
In 2018, wheat imports amounted to 12.5 million tons with 7.5 million tons of that total going towards subsidized bread known as Baladi bread; a key contribution to food security.
NFSA in collaboration with other government agencies, such as the Central Administration of Plant Quarantine (CAPQ), and private traders will play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of the grain sector. Handling grain inspection procedures to determine the safety and quality of imported grains will be the primary responsibility of the NFSA. This will result in streamlining the inspection procedures and saving costs for consumers. For more info click here: