Staff Reporter

Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), has launched a US$139 000 project aimed at transforming the country’s food security initiatives.

The programme, announced yesterday, seeks to establish a National Food Safety Policy that aims to improve food production standards, enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and promote public awareness to combat foodborne illnesses.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr. Aspect Maunganidze, emphasised the urgent need for a coordinated national strategy to address food safety challenges.

During the launch, he bemoaned the lack of a comprehensive and enforceable food safety policy in Zimbabwe, which has led to fragmented, uncoordinated, and inefficient food safety management.

“The assessment revealed that currently, there is no comprehensive and enforceable food safety policy in Zimbabwe, and that food safety management in Zimbabwe is characterised by minimal and inadequate coordination among Competent Authorities (CAs), leading to overlaps and duplication of efforts in food safety management,” said Dr. Maunganidze.

He noted that the new funding would address fragmentation and resource limitations that have hindered effective food control.

“This funding allows us to address the fragmentation and resource limitations that have hindered effective food control. It will enable us to develop a policy that streamlines responsibilities and ensures efficient resource utilisation,” he said.

Dr. Maunganidze further emphasised that foodborne hazards have far-reaching consequences beyond health, placing significant pressure on healthcare systems, economic growth, and social structures.

He called for multi-sector collaboration to ensure a sustainable and effective food safety policy.

“Developing a food safety policy cannot be done in isolation. We need collaboration between government agencies, the food industry, academia, civil society organisations, and international bodies,” he stated.

“Developing a comprehensive food safety policy, therefore, is not simply an option—it is a necessity. It is a call to action, one that requires a national strategy with clear goals, strong regulatory frameworks, and coordinated efforts across all sectors of society,” he added.

The initiative will also integrate modern technology to improve food safety measures. Dr. Maunganidze highlighted the role of innovation in creating a resilient food system capable of responding swiftly to risks.

“As we move forward, we must also embrace the power of innovation and technology in advancing food safety. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and precision agriculture can enhance traceability, improve food testing, and offer real-time monitoring of food safety risks. By leveraging these technologies, we can create more resilient food systems that can respond quickly to evolving challenges, such as foodborne outbreaks or disruptions in the supply chain,” he said.

The FAO-funded project aims to establish a robust framework that clearly defines roles and responsibilities within the food safety sector.

It will enforce stricter food production standards, improve surveillance and risk management procedures, and provide training for food inspectors and industry stakeholders.

This National Food Safety Policy is expected to enhance coordination among regulators, ensure compliance with international food safety standards, and streamline food control processes.

Ultimately, officials believe the initiative will significantly reduce foodborne illnesses, protect public health, and support economic development by ensuring safer food for all citizens.