Ethiopian Food Safety Day Emphasizes Long-Term Food Safety Measures
On June 7, 2024, Addis Ababa celebrated the International Food Safety Day with a workshop themed “Preparing for Unexpected Challenges in Food Safety,” marking the 5th observance in Ethiopia and the 6th worldwide. Heran Gerba, Director General of the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), inaugurated the workshop, outlining EFDA’s commitment to ensuring long-term food safety through strategic initiatives.
Director General Heran emphasized three key strategies to enhance food safety: rigorous monitoring of standards, supporting stakeholders to achieve higher levels of compliance, and implementing preventive measures before products reach the market. These efforts align with the new national health policy, where food safety is a strategic priority supported by an approved master plan.
Dr. Solomon Kebede, Executive Director of Animal Drug Control at the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority, highlighted the manifold benefits of robust food safety practices. He stressed that ensuring food safety not only enhances consumer trust and access to safe products but also improves nutritional outcomes and reduces foodborne illnesses. The workshop featured various presentations, including past experiences and preparations for the festival by the Public Health Research Institute. Discussions centered on the recently approved national food safety roadmap, collaborative efforts, and best practices. Participants engaged in constructive dialogues, setting forth future directions to advance food safety initiatives in Ethiopia.
