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THE Government, through the Standards Association of Zimbabwe and Department of Veterinary Technical Services, has intensified efforts to ensure that laboratories testing animals and animal products comply with international standards by accrediting them to international and regional quality systems.
Addressing the International Dairy Federation (IDF), International Standards Organisation (ISO) and local dairy value chain players during the World for the IDF/ISO Analytical Week 2024 in Victoria Falls, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Davis Marapira, said to achieve economic value, milk and milk products have to undergo rigorous quality control checks to ensure food safety and fitness for the intended use.
He said the laboratory is an integral part of ensuring that the quality of dairy products meet internationally recognised standards such as the ISO TC34.
“Well-regulated and monitored food systems (crop and livestock) allow us to trade at regional and international markets,” he said.
“I am happy to report that our Government through the Standards Association of Zimbabwe and the Department of Veterinary Technical Services have stepped up efforts aimed at ensuring that our laboratories involved in the testing of animals and animal products comply with international testing standards through accreditation to international and regional quality systems.”
Deputy Minister Marapira urged dairy farmers to work diligently to increase quality milk production, dairy processors to produce quality products and the laboratories to adequately test all milk and milk products according to stipulated international standards and to ensure that only quality and safe products are placed on the shelves.
“As I officially open the IDF/ISO Analytical Week 2024, my key message is to assure all the dairy stakeholders and the country at large that the adoption and use of standards in the implementation of quality management systems will lead to a vibrant, competitive and profitable dairy sector that will be of benefit to all. I envisage the dairy sub-sector becoming a robust economic and investment sector soon.”
Deputy Minister Marapira challenged local dairy scientists, laboratory and analytical professionals who have been allowed to participate in the technical working groups to take it beyond the conference and implement the practices and procedures in the entire dairy value chain to be in line with international technological developments in food production systems.
He told participants that Zimbabwe is an agro-based nation and among several sectors, the dairy sector is a key component of the National Livestock Growth Plan which supports the agenda of the National Development Strategy (NDS1), anchored by the Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy which seeks to achieve a US$8,2 billion agriculture economy by 2025 contributing towards Vision 2030.
“To achieve this vision, there is a need to implement policies that help to boost the establishment of local markets, including ensuring covering the demand for milk and milk products nationally, regionally and globally, thus self-sustenance with surplus for exports.
Online Reporter