INFRASTRUCTURE KEY TO FOOD SAFETY EMERGENCIES – ZACA

By Scoop Reporter

THE Government should invest in infrastructure and technologies that enhance the ability to respond to food safety emergencies, says Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) executive secretary Juba Sakala.

Mr. Sakala said availability of funding for research development and the implementation of advanced monitoring systems was vital to ensure food security.

He said the country should be alert in the areas of needs in an event when the country was faced with challenges such as the current drought, which has threatened food security.

He said ZACA had been conducting risk assessments to identify potential threats to food safety and develop strategies to mitigate risks by monitoring emerging hazards and implementing early warning systems.

Mr. Sakala said the organization was committed to ensuring that every Zambian had access to safe and nutritious food.

He said food safety underscored the importance of being proactive and resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges that could threaten food supply.

He explained that the natural disasters to pandemics and from technological failures to economic disruptions, must be prepared to handle the unexpected scenario and safeguard food systems and protect public health.

Mr. Sakala observed that among, COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains, extreme weather events impacted agricultural production and economic volatility strained food security.

“These events have highlighted the critical need for robust food safety measures that can withstand unexpected pressures and the association has been at the forefront of promoting food safety and preparing for the unexpected.

“Our initiatives are designed to strengthen our food systems and ensure that we are resilient in the face of challenges,” Mr. Sakala said.

Mr. Sakala said the programs on food safety covered hygiene and sanitation to the proper use of technology in food production and storage in collaboration with stakeholders working closely with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners to develop and enforce food safety standards.

“Our collaborations aim to create a unified approach to food safety that is resilient and adaptive which includes public awareness campaigns to engage with the public through campaigns that educate consumers about the importance of food safety and how to handle food safely in their homes and we also provide information on what to do during emergencies to ensure food remains safe,” he said.