Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
The Government has secured a US$139 000 grant from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to develop a comprehensive National Food Safety Policy aimed at strengthening food control systems in Zimbabwe.
While agriculture remains the backbone of the country’s economy, contributing 45 percent of export earnings and supporting over 70 percent of the population, a 2021 assessment by FAO and the European Union exposed major weaknesses in Zimbabwe’s food control system, highlighting the need for urgent reforms.
Speaking at the launch, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze said the FAO/WHO Food Control System Assessment Tool revealed critical gaps in food safety management, including a lack of coordination among Government ministries and local authorities.
“The assessment revealed that currently there is no comprehensive and enforceable food safety policy in Zimbabwe and that the food safety management in Zimbabwe is characterised by minimal and inadequate coordination amongst Competent Authorities (CAS), leading to overlaps and duplication of efforts towards food safety management in the country,” said Dr Maunganidze.
“This funding allows us to address the fragmentation and resource limitations that have hindered effective food control.
“It will enable us to develop a policy that streamlines responsibilities and ensures efficient resource utilisation.”
The new policy, he said, aims to establish a clear framework for managing food safety, defining stakeholder roles, setting standards and outlining enforcement procedures.
FAO representative in Zimbabwe and sub-regional coordinator for Southern Africa, Dr Patrice Talla, who was represented by his assistant Ms Tendai Munyokoveri underlined the public health risks posed by frequent food-related disease outbreaks.
“This project, enabled by the US$139 000 funding, will establish a comprehensive framework for managing food safety across Zimbabwe,” said Dr Tella.
“It will define the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, set standards for food production and handling, and outline procedures for monitoring and enforcement.”
The policy drafting process will follow a multi-stage approach, including situation analysis, stakeholder consultations, policy formulation and regulatory framework development, ensuring the creation of a clear and enforceable National Food Safety Policy.
