Contextual interlinkages and authority levels for strengthening coordination of national food safety control systems in Africa

Abstract

Africa is the greatest contributor to the burden of foodborne diseases in the world. The problem is associated with the weak food safety control systems in many countries of Africa. Africa's national food control systems are based on fragmented legislation which provide for multiple jurisdictions resulting in weaknesses in coordination, inspection and enforcement of food safety measures mandated to different sectors such as agriculture, trade, and health. It was hypothesized that the weak food safety legislation is a result of inability to contextualize and appreciate the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for strengthening national food control systems. Raising awareness and knowledge on interlinkages and authority levels among the sectoral food safety actors can foster appreciation of the FAO and WHO recommendations and inform food safety policy reforms in the continent. This article highlights the interlinkages in food safety activities of the actors along the food chain. It also contextualizes the roles of each agency or ministry and proposes institutional arrangements to be considered in strengthening national food safety control systems in Africa.

Keywords: Authority levels; Coordination board; Food safety; Interlinkages; Legislation.