Food safety is a cornerstone of public health and economic development, especially in Zambia, where agriculture plays a vital role in the lives of millions. In particular, the fruits and vegetables sector, with its extensive supply chains, faces unique challenges in ensuring food safety from farm to fork.
As these products move through production, transport, and retail, maintaining their safety requires coordination among various stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector players, civil society organizations, and consumers.
Recognising the importance of food safety, the Food Safety Multi-Stakeholder Platform (FSMSP) convened in Lusaka on October 22, 2024. Organised by CUTS in partnership with Solidaridad, this meeting focused on the fruits and vegetables value chain and aimed to create a collaborative environment where stakeholders could discuss food safety policies, practices, and emerging risks. By sharing both local and international insights, the platform aimed to strengthen Zambia’s food safety framework.
Objectives of FSMSP Quarterly Meetings
The quarterly FSMSP meetings are structured to address ongoing food safety challenges while encouraging innovation and adaptability in policy and practice. Key objectives include:
Regulatory Review and Improvement: Assessing the implementation of food safety regulations to identify gaps and suggest areas for policy enhancements.
Fostering Stakeholder Collaboration: Encouraging cooperative efforts among stakeholders to address food safety issues in the fruits and vegetables subsector.
Knowledge Exchange: Sharing best practices, innovative solutions, and understanding new risks associated with food safety.
Progress Monitoring: Tracking the effectiveness of food safety interventions and evaluating action plans developed in previous meetings.
Regional and Global Alignment: Promoting adherence to regional and international food safety standards to strengthen Zambia’s food safety system.
Key Focus Areas
During the meeting, several crucial areas were highlighted, reflecting the multifaceted approach necessary to ensure food safety:
Food Safety Regulations and Policies: Effective enforcement and regular updates to regulations are essential to tackle evolving food safety challenges. This involves aligning national policies with international standards to facilitate trade and protect consumers.
Risk Management Along the Value Chain: Identifying and mitigating risks, such as contamination during production, transport, and market stages, is vital. Each step in the supply chain presents unique hazards, and targeted interventions can significantly reduce food safety risks.
Pesticide Use and Control: Minimizing pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables is crucial for consumer health. The platform discussed safer alternatives and best practices to ensure that pesticide use is controlled and that the food reaching consumers is safe.
Post-Harvest Handling and Market Hygiene: Proper handling and hygiene in markets, storage facilities, and during transportation can prevent food contamination. Improving these practices reduces spoilage and ensures that food remains safe for consumption.
Capacity Building and Training: Engaging farmers, traders, and market vendors in training programs enhances compliance with food safety standards. Training empowers stakeholders to understand and implement best practices, benefiting the entire value chain.
Consumer Protection and Awareness: Providing consumers with safe, nutritious, and affordable food is essential. Educating them about food safety risks and how to mitigate these risks empowers them to make informed choices, ultimately promoting a safer food system.
Looking Forward: Building a Resilient Food Safety Framework
The FSMSP’s collaborative approach exemplifies the power of partnerships in building a resilient food safety system in Zambia. By addressing regulatory gaps, promoting sustainable practices, and aligning with international standards, Zambia can enhance its food safety framework, protecting consumers and fostering trust in the agricultural sector.
Future meetings will continue to focus on actionable insights and track progress on food safety initiatives, ensuring that Zambia’s food safety system evolves in response to changing needs.