Over 1,040 Uganda standards have been developed to provide requirements for ensuring quality and safe food, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has revealed.

These standards, according to UNBS Executive Director, David Livingstone Ebiru, are applied in certification services in which industries are assessed on their level of compliance.

“Considering that Uganda remains a net importer, the available Uganda standards for food products have been key in our Imports Inspection programmes, hence ensuring that products available for consumption in the market are safe,” Ebiru told the press at the Uganda Media Centre on Monday.

In addition, Ebiru said the market surveillance activities that are undertaken countrywide, are important to maintaining sanity. The UNBS boss was giving a media brief to mark the World Food Safety Day, whose theme for this year is; “Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow.”

Food Safety Day

On December 20, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 73/250 proclaiming a World Food Safety Day. Starting in 2019, every June 7, is a time to celebrate the myriad benefits of safe food.

World Food Safety Day is an important way of making the population aware of food safety issues; demonstrating how to prevent illness through food safety; discussing collaborative approaches to improved food safety across sectors and promoting solutions and ways of having more food safe.

According to Ebiru, the consumption and production of safe food have immediate and long-term benefits for people, the planet and the economy.

“The availability of safe and healthy food for all can be sustained into the future by embracing digital innovations, advancing scientific solutions as well as honouring traditional knowledge that has stood the test of time,” he pointed out.

With the state-of-the-art ISO 17025 food safety laboratories at UNBS, Ebiru said there has been added value in terms of the protection of consumers from unsanitary and unwholesome food.

He added that this has contributed to economic development by maintaining consumer confidence in the food system and providing a sound regulatory foundation for domestic and international trade in food.

Legislation for standards

Ebiru said food Safety is generally structured along with five main elements including food law and legislation, food control management, inspection services, laboratory services and information, education, communication and training.

UNBS services and activities contribute significantly to four elements and hence at the centre stage in fostering food safety in Uganda, he said.

“I would like to thank the Government, partners and other actors for the continued support towards the improvement of Food Safety in Uganda. I further appeal for additional support for activities and services identified in the UNBS mandate and five-year strategic plan,” he said.

Ebiru underscored the critical importance of standards in the daily lives of the people of Uganda. The celebration today, he said, is a demonstration of the continued Government commitment towards establishing a robust quality infrastructure and modern coordinated food control system in Uganda.

Ebiru revealed that the work of UNBS supports Government’s industrialisation agenda as envisioned in the National Development Plan III.

Testing for quality

Effective testing services, Ebiru observed, are critical enablers in the facilitation of trade and ultimately boost quick access of locally produced goods and services by the several Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to national, regional and international markets.

He revealed that UNBS during this period has heightened awareness and promotion events focusing on selected food commodity value chains specifically campaigns for the maize value chain.

This has been done in districts of Luwero, Mubende, Kiboga, Hoima, Busia, Kapchorwa, Iganga, Masindi, Kiryandongo, and Kasese, focusing on good post-harvest handling practices to contribute to the management of Aflatoxins in grains.

COVID-19 improves safety

While COVID-19 has not been transmitted by food, Ebiru noted that the pandemic has sharpened the focus on food safety-related issues.

As a result, areas such as hygiene, antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, climate change, food fraud and the potential benefits of digitalising food systems, have been improved.

“It has also identified weaknesses or vulnerabilities in food production and control systems. The Government has been steadfast in minimizing disruptions in the food supply chains, as consumers must have reliable access to safe food,” Ebiru said.

He said food supply chains involve several people who include: producers, processors, transporters, distributors, retailers, cooks as well as consumers.

“At every point in the chain, there are hazards that can cause contamination. Everyone involved at the various stages has a responsibility to keep food safe,” the UNBS boss observed.

Call to action

Ebiru cited five calls to action on World Food Safety Day, and they include: ensuring safety where Government has the responsibility to ensure safe and nutritious food for all. Agriculture and food producers are also required to adopt good farming practices.

To business operators, they have a responsibility to ensure that the food they produce is safe by keeping it safe, while consumers across the board need to learn about safe and healthy food.

Ebiru concluded the call to action by urging all stakeholders in the food chain to work together as a team to ensure safe food and good health.