Addis Ababa - Ethiopia initiated a five-year food safety master plan today, aimed at enhancing the prevention, detection, and management of foodborne risks. This strategic document was developed through an inclusive process and received validation from various national food safety stakeholders. The master plan seeks to improve understanding of Ethiopia's current food safety landscape and outlines future interventions.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Ethiopian government has significantly invested in improving food security, yet there is a critical need to focus on food safety. "There is no food security without food safety," Dhuguma stated at the launch ceremony. He expressed his belief that the master plan would help identify existing challenges and prioritize necessary actions for the next five years. Dhuguma also highlighted the need for enhanced coordination among international stakeholders to effectively address food safety, which he described as a global concern.

Janet Edeme, Head of the Rural Development Division at the African Union, noted that the African Union has supported food safety improvements in Ethiopia and 11 other countries through the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) over the past two years. She emphasized that the initiative is led by member states and marks a significant effort by the African Union to strengthen food safety frameworks.

The Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority Director General, Heran Gerba, remarked that food safety and quality are critical policy directions in Ethiopia. She outlined the comprehensive 'farm to table' approach essential for ensuring food safety and quality, involving all actors in the value chain. This approach aligns with Ethiopia's National Food and Nutrition Policy and strategy, ensuring that the master plan serves as an effective tool for national food safety system implementation.

Ambassador Diriba Kuma, Ethiopian Agriculture Authority Director General, stated that the master plan is set to draw attention to and inspire action against foodborne risks, contributing to food safety, economic prosperity, and sustainable development. He also linked food safety to several Sustainable Development Goals and the African Agenda 2063, including economic growth, innovation, and responsible consumption and production.