1. Status of Food Safety in Uganda
High level Breakfast Meeting for the
World Health Day Cerebrations
Theme: Food Safety for Good Health
Uganda’s efforts to establish an integrated National Food Control System.
By:
Dr. Agaba E. Friday
Food Safety Coordinator, NDA
Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala
7th April 2015

2. Uganda’s efforts for an integrated National Food Control System
Coverage
Introduction
The Codex Alimentarius Commission(CAC)
Membership to Codex
Uganda’s efforts to establish an Integrated national Food Control System
Summary/Conclusion
Way forward

3. Uganda’s efforts for an integrated National Food Control System
Introduction
The government of Uganda recognizes that a safe food supply is a great asset to the nation in terms of the health of the people as well as economic sustainability
through improved trade;
b. The government shall therefore takes the necessary measures to put in place and
support a food safety control system aimed at providing safe food;
c. The government shall do this by providing all the necessary infrastructural support
and maintain her regulatory function at all levels of the food chain;
d. It is the responsibility of the producers, processors, transporters, importer,
consumers and all stakeholders along the food supply chain to ensure that the food
they offer to the immediate consumer is safe;
e. In addition, all stakeholders in the food industry shall be required to put in place
preventive food safety management systems along the entire food chain.

4. Uganda’s efforts for an integrated National Food Control System
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
The term “Codex Alimentarius” translates from Latin as “a collection of food laws”.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, established by FAO and WHO in 1963 to implement the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme
Develops harmonized international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice to protect the health of the consumers and ensure fair trade practices in the food trade.
The elaboration of Codex Standards provides for inputs by all member nations, international organisations, consumers/NGOs and any other interested parties.
The Commission also promotes coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Participation is by Delegates from Member Nations, Associate Members of FAO & WHO which are members of the Commission and Observer Organizations
Currently, there are 181 member nations and one member organisation, the European Community in the Codex “family” of which Uganda is one.

5. Uganda’s efforts for an integrated National Food Control System

6. Uganda’s efforts for an integrated National Food Control System
Establishment of a Food Safety Advisory Committee in accordance with the Food &Drug Act 1964: Part V, 40 which mandates the Minister of Health to establish a Food Safety (Hygiene) Advisory Committee.
Transformation of the current NDA to NFMA
National Codex Committee
Development of national standards for Food & Agriculture products, Water Quality, Animal Feeds, and Food Packaging Materials Standards and other food safety related standards, in collaboration with UNBS .
Participation in EAC FS Initiatives
Participation in AU FS
Participation in FAO/WHO CODEX FS Activities
INFOSAN Member with Contact Points: National INFOSAN Emergency Contact Point for the International Networks of Food Safety Authorities (INFOSAN), a joint FAO/WHO initiative, is an established platform for sharing information on international food safety threats and best practices in food safety.

7. Uganda’s efforts for an integrated National Food Control System
Participation in FAO/WHO/ CODEX Food Safety Activities
INFOSAN Member with Contact Points: National INFOSAN Emergency Contact Point for the International Networks of Food Safety Authorities (INFOSAN), a joint FAO/WHO initiative, is an established platform for sharing information on international food safety threats and best practices in food safety.
Successfully lobbied for hosting the 42nd Session of Codex Committee on Food Hygiene due in Kampala from 29th November – 3rd December This session will be co-chaired by NDA and USA.
Uganda is a signatory to the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) that came into force on 15th June2007. The purpose of the IHR 2005 is to protect against and respond to the International spread of disease, including food borne diseases, in ways that are commensurate with the threat to public health, and with minimal interference with international traffic and trade

8. National Food Safety Advisory Committee
Establishment of a Food Safety Advisory Committee in accordance with the Food &Drug Act 1964: Part V, 40 which mandates the Minister of Health to establish a Food Safety (Hygiene) Advisory Committee.
DGHS /MOH (Chairperson)
ED/UNBS/ (Deputy Chairman)
Presidential Advisor on Agriculture , Office of the President
Commissioner Health Services(CH/MOH)
Special Presidential Assistant on Science & Technology
School of Health Sciences
Faculty of Agric. Makerere University
Chairman, National Standards Council , UNBS
Assistant Commissioner Diagnostics & Epidemiology, MIAAF
Coordinator, District Livelihood Support Programme, MOLG
Commissioner Water Quality, DWRM, Ministry of Water & Environment
Veterinary Public Health /Makerere University , FERG TWG Member
Food Science &Technology/ Makerere University
Research Officer, UNCS&T
Consumer Education Trust (CONSENT)
Hotel & Catering Association
Uganda Manufacturers Association

9. National Food Safety Advisory Committee
Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Advisory committee
The TOR for the Committee include, among others:
To give policy & technical guidance and direction to the Ministry of Health on all matters related to food safety in Uganda.
The Minister may, from time to time, refer to the committee for consideration and advice on such questions as he or she may think fit, being questions relating to the Food & Drug Act as it applies in relation to food.
Where it is proposed to make regulations relating to food under this Act, the Minister shall, unless it appears to him or her inexpedient to do so having regard to the urgency of the matter, refer the proposals in the form of draft regulations to the committee for consideration and advice.

10. National Codex Committee
Uganda has established a Multi – sectoral & Multi – disciplinary National Codex Committee (NCC) chaired by the Ministry of Health. The key stakeholders represented on the NCC are:
Ministry of Health (Chair & Lead Ministry for Food hygiene & Safety),
The National Drug Authority (NDA),
Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (Departments of: Animal production and Marketing, Livestock Health and Entomology, Crop Production, Crop Protection, Fisheries Resources),
Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry,
Government Analytical Laboratories,
Faculty of Food Science & Technology, (Makerere),
Institute of Public Health,
Uganda Consumer Protection Association- representing Consumers.
Diary Development Authority (representing Food Processors & private sector)

11. National Food Standards
(1) Development of national standards: UNBS
Development of national standards for Food & Agriculture products, Water Quality, Animal Feeds, and Food Packaging Materials Standards and other food safety related standards, is coordinated by Uganda Bureau of Standards(UNBS).
National Standards Agency
A Member of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and
A Contact Point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Standards,
The National Enquiry Point on TBT/SPS Agreements of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
NCC Secretariat
(2) Conducting Joint inspections, enforcement and awareness
activities
Work together with other key stakeholders namely, MAAIF, MTI&C and Local Governments to conduct joint inspections, enforcement and awareness activities for aflatoxin control in Uganda.

12. Participation in EAC Food Safety Initiatives
Protocol for Establishment of the East African Medicines and Food Safety Commission (EAMFSC)
Regional Sanitary & Phytosanitary (SPS) Policy
Harmonized EAC Standards for Food Safety
EAC Codex Forum
Standards for staple foods elaborated in the EAC Aflatoxin strategy.

13. Participation in African Union Food Safety Initiatives (AU FS)
Continental TWG on Establishment of African Union Food Safety Coordination Mechanism and System for Rapid Alerts during Food Safety Emergencies:
Partnership programme for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA)

14. Participation in FAO/WHO CODEX FS Activities
Participate in the Sessions of Codex Alimentarius Commission and priority Technical Committee Meetings of national interest.
National positions made during these meetings

15. NATIONAL RESEARCH IN FOOD SAFETY
The MOH/WHO/FAO/FERG BOD due Food borne illnesses - Lead by MOH/NDA
Aflatoxins ( Mycotoxins) - Prof. A. Kaaya; School of Food Technology, Nutrition & Bio-engineering)
Aflatoxin contamination of foodstuffs in developing countries including Uganda is of major concern due to dangerous consequences. Studies have shown that it acts as a potent carcinogen, and reportedly causes cancer of the liver along with exacerbating conditions such as hepatitis. This toxin can also suppress the immune system and retard the growth and development of children. Thus, the multi-sectoral impacts and effects of aflatoxin constitute a significant challenge to agriculture, health and trade.
Prof. Archileo Kaaya’s findings are that aflatoxin prevalence in Uganda was rampant in the country. Prof. Kaaya called for the following actions to be taken to continue efforts of mitigating aflatoxins in Uganda:
Routine Monitoring and surveillance of susceptible crops;
Enforce standards and regulations;
Link farmers to better markets;
Improve the laboratory services; and
Establish more accredited labs.

16. NATIONAL RESEARCH IN FOOD SAFETY
3. The Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa(PACA) Project
At the 7th CAADP PP, African Leaders recognized the significant threats that Aflatoxins cause to trade, agriculture and the health of the populations, therefore, called for the establishment of an African-led Partnership for Aflatoxin Control. On 31 October 2012, Ministers of Agriculture and Ministers of Trade launched the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa(PACA).
PACA has since developed its 10 year Strategy in consultation with stakeholders across Africa. Through its 4 year Mid-Term Strategic Plan ( ), PACA will, in 2014, initiate three major activities in five pilot countries (Gambia, Senegal, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda), the activities are:
Establish Africa Aflatoxin Information Management System (AfricaAIMS);
Support country-led aflatoxin situation analysis and action plan;
Mainstream aflatoxin control through the PACA initiative in CAADP National Agriculture and Food Security Investment Plans (NAFSIPs).
It is also important to note that aflatoxins are a cross-cutting issue that need to be addressed in the three sectors of health, trade and agriculture. It was also noted that the aflatoxin issue is particularly problematic in countries like Uganda as large populations suffer from diseases that attach the immune system such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatis B.

17. NATIONAL RESEARCH IN FOOD SAFETY
Chemical residues/Contaminants in food & feed ( e.g. Yams) - School of Food Technology, Nutrition & Bio-engineering)
- High levels of Heavy metals in Yams
F. Adongo’s (MoWE,2013): The Quality of Drinking Water in the Inner Murchison Bay and its’ Catchment
Major finding-
In general terms the study revealed increasing pollution risk on drinking water sources especially surface and sub-surface water bodies like the inner Murchison bay, and protected springs.
All protected springs were bacteriologically unsatisfactory and unfit for drinking
There is high toxic chemical content correlation in water, algae/planktons and fish in the bay. Significant quantities of toxic inorganic chemicals under study were detected along the pathways into the bay, in the water column, sediments, drinking water and fish.

18. Transformation of NDA to NFMA
Triggers for this policy shift included, among others:
Existing Food Safety Regulatory gaps,
Emerging& Re-emerging food borne diseases and ill health of public health concerns, e.g. Aflatoxins,
Need to implement a coordinated, harmonized and integrated national food control system
Need for a One – health approach to food safety issues , for example zoonotic diseases,
The dynamic & advances in the food industry(Local, EAC Regional initiatives & global),
Need for an Overall Competent Authority to oversee all matters of food safety in the country.

19. Why Transform NDA to NFMAI
Drugs and food are closely inter-related, including borderline products, hence the need to be regulated by the same statutory institution.
There is need for harmonization of policies, legislation at national, regional (EAC) and international (World Health Organization, Food & Agriculture Organization, World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), Codex Alimentarius Commission) level.
c. The combined regulation of food and drugs is based on international best practices and shall draw from the experience and expertise of the already existing structures and systems at NDA.
d. Building on the existing structure at NDA maximizes utilization of the scarce resources and reduces duplication

20. NFMA Regulatory Scope I Objective food, food supplements, medicines,
  To provide for comprehensive legislation for regulation of:
food,
food supplements,
medicines,
cosmetics,
medical/veterinary devices,
health care products,
public health products,
chemicals for public health use,
blood & biological products,
and related substances.

21. Purpose of NDA/NFMA Transformation
The overall purpose of the transformation process 
To restructure and strengthen the National Drug Authority (NDA) in order to collectively regulate food & feeds, food supplements, drugs, cosmetics, medical & veterinary devices, health care products, public health products, blood & biological products and related substances.
Promote synergies and multi-sectoral linkages among key stakeholders;
Strengthen MOH institutional capacity for food safety management;
Strengthen surveillance, response and information management of food safety related diseases and ill health;
Promote consumer awareness, advocacy and access to safe food;
Promote science based initiatives and interventions;
Ensure Uganda’s food imports and exports satisfy national and international standards for food safety and quality; and compete favourably at national and global food markets;

22. Summary/Conclusion I
A national food safety control system includes: food law and regulations, food control management, inspection services, laboratory services, food monitoring, epidemiological data, information, education, communication and training.
Are there national food laws, regulations or policies in place to facilitate food safety control? Yes but fragmented in various sectors, Ministries and departments
Are national food laws, regulations or policies up to date? Most of them NOT
Are national food laws, regulations or policies implemented? Not Effectively
Are national or international food safety standards available?. These could be based on international standards (e.g. Codex Alimentarius or ISO standards). Yes
Has a coordination mechanism been established between the food safety authorities,. Some attempts e.g. through the NCC

23. Way forward I
Formulate a new Food Safety Law to replace the Food & Drug Act(1964)
Develop a National Food Safety Strategic Plan (NFSSP)
Establish a Food Safety Authority
Establish an integrated national food safety control system
Mainstream food safety and prioritize aflatoxin control & prevention into key sectoral policies, laws plans & programmes
More research
Capacity building to address the institutional regulatory gaps
Designation of centres of excellence
Lobby for resource support & engagement from DPS
Sustainability mechanisms
Mainstreaming FS into institutional or sectoral programmes
Implementation through existing institutions and local government structures
Designing the National FS communication strategy (identification of key messages, target groups and media tools)

24. Way forward: Aflatoxins
MOH
Mainstream Aflatoxin control in related policies, programmes and activities, and in particular the National Health Sector Strategic & Investment Plan(NHSIP) which is going to be revised this Financial Year(FY: 2014/25);
Participate in the Country-led aflatoxin and food safety situation analysis and action planning;
Implement Consumer Sensitization and Awareness through the Health promotion, Nutrition, environmental health programmes; 
Mainstream a comprehensive national aflatoxin strategy in the Food Safety Programmes of National Food & Medicines Authority;
Scale – up Surveillance and Data generation on aflatoxin - related diseases/ill health in Uganda’s health sector; 
Specifically capture aflatoxin - related diseases/ill health in the National Health Management Information System(HMIS) and to feed into the Africa Aflatoxin Information Management System (AfricaAIMS); 
Support/establish the diagnostic Capacity of the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL, MOH) for human samples.
National Drug Authority to work together with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to develop and enforce related food safety standards.
Work together with other key stakeholders namely, MAAIF, MTI&C and Local Governments to conduct joint inspections, enforcement and awareness activities for aflatoxin control in Uganda.
Work together with other key stakeholders namely, MAAIF, MTI&C and Local Governments to conduct joint inspections, enforcement and awareness activities for aflatoxin control in Uganda.

25. I
Uganda’s efforts to establish and form an integrated National Food Control System
I THANK YOU