The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the members of the National Taskforce on Food Safety today to improve food safety standards, protect consumers, and promote better food handling and regulation.

The National Taskforce on Food Safety includes the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, the Ministry of Local Government, Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, and Consumer Council of Fiji.

The MOU will serve as a foundational document fostering information sharing and the development of unified approaches, thus amplifying the effectiveness of pertinent food standards and regulations.

There is also a prioritised Action Plan that sets out thematic areas on robust legal frameworks, policies, standards, and guidelines addressing food safety, together with interactive stakeholder engagement and collaborative engagement. 

The Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr Andrew Tukana, represented the Ministry during the MOU signing.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways will undertake the roles and responsibilities of:

·           Ensuring sustainable crop and livestock production in Fiji is maintained and properly managed through Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), with appropriate guidelines to enhance food security for the nation, providing nutritious and healthy foods for all Fijians.

·           Provide analytical support services at the national laboratory, the Fiji Agriculture Chemistry Laboratory at Koronivia Research Station, through validated laboratory testing methods, authentication of all food and food products, in compliance with Food Safety Act & Standards, so consumers can have access to safe and nutritious foods on a daily basis. Also supporting relevant legislations of other government agencies through scientific verification.

·           Provide scientific and technical advice towards Food Safety Standards to support decision making at national, regional and international levels to enhance fair trade and market access opportunities for agriculture commodities and food products.

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