By MKT Reporter
For many years, only foodstuffs destined for export have been subjected to rigorous quality checks as developed markets and consumers insist on strict implementation of designed food safety global standards.
Only food verified as safe is allowed to leave the country and in case a consignment is intercepted at the point of entry suspected of noncompliance with food standards, exporters are heavily fined thus increasing the cost of production.
However, Nakuru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Mr Leonard Bor regrets that some of the produce declared ‘unsafe’ for human consumption and intercepted at the airports later finds its way into the local markets with traders selling them to unsuspecting consumers and as animal feeds.
Bor revealed that low adoption of food and feed safety standards has contributed to high cases of diseases, such as cancer and cited growing instances where farmers are not able to control pesticides residue.
The CECM said failure by farmers to adopt the developed standards has contributed to high interceptions of the produce at the points of entry thus contributing to high costs to exporters.
“But lately we have enhanced training for our local farmers and company owners on the need to implement the standards. The engagement has led to fewer seizures of the exports at points of entry,” he stated.
Bor was speaking during a workshop organized by Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESPT) at Agriculture Training Centre in Nakuru for various government and non-government stakeholders in the food industry to deliberate on the proposed Nakuru Food and Feed Safety, Quality Control Coordination Bill 2024.
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