Food safety for thriving economy

• Sri Lankan Govt. working on developing policies and regulations to address food safety, with FAO assisting in creating model act

By Divya Thotawatte 

Food safety is a top priority for Sri Lanka in terms of public health and economic development, where capacity building and advocacy, in addition to effective policies and regulations, are necessary, stressed experts at a recent knowledge-sharing session.

This knowledge-sharing session was hosted by the European Union (EU)-funded BESPA project (Mainstreaming Standards-Based Best Practices for Agri-Food Sector Development), implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Mass Media Ministry. The session was titled ‘Strengthening Food Safety Control Mechanisms in Sri Lanka: Current Challenges, Collaborative Solutions, and Future Pathways.’ 

The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Government agencies, academic and media professionals, civil society, and the private sector for meaningful dialogue on collaborative solutions for food safety challenges. Discussions emphasised the importance of public advocacy, clear communication, and stakeholder engagement to drive accountability and promote consumer rights and responsibilities. 

Delivering the keynote address, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasised the collective responsibility of policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and members of civil society to ensure the safety of food consumed by the people. 

“Food safety is not just a public health concern. It is an economic and social imperative. Ensuring a robust food safety system safeguards public health, reduces the burden of foodborne diseases, and boosts consumer confidence. It also strengthens our trade potential by aligning Sri Lanka’s food industry with international standards. Safe food is essential for a healthy nation, a thriving economy, and sustainable development.”

However, Sri Lanka faced several challenges in maintaining food safety for its people, said the Minister:

nGaps in regulation and enforcement – “While we have strong legal frameworks, the implementation and enforcement of food safety regulations need further strengthening.”

nInadequate infrastructure resources – “Many testing laboratories require modernisation and we need more trained centres in food safety and quality assurance.”

nRising foodborne illnesses – “The increase in incidence of foodborne diseases highlights the needs for improved monitoring, surveillance, and consumer awareness.”

nSupply chain complexity with globalised supply chains – “Ensuring food safety from farm to fork requires better coordination amongst stakeholders.” 

nMisinformation and public awareness – “Consumers must be better informed about food safety risk, proper handling, and hygienic food practices.” 

In addressing these challenges, Sri Lanka must embrace multi-sectoral collaboration and innovation, Dr. Jayatissa said, stressing that the approach towards it had to be proactive, inclusive, and driven by science. He highlighted the necessity for enhancing regulatory frameworks, investment in infrastructure and technology, capacity building and training, public-private partnerships, and consumer education awareness.

“Looking ahead, we must be committed to establishing a centralised food safety authority to streamline food safety governance, promoting sustainable and organic food production to minimise exposure to harmful chemicals,” the Minister added. 

It was also important to strengthen cross border collaboration with international bodies such as the World Health Network (WHN) and the FAO to adopt best practices in food safety and harness daytime AI for food safety monitoring to detect and prevent food safety risk in real time. He urged all stakeholders, including Government agencies, the private sector, researchers, and consumers to join hands in making food safety a priority. 

“We have discussed in the Cabinet; we also have a subcommittee of the Cabinet. This includes the Ministry, which is relevant to production, data collection, and regulation. Altogether, we can achieve this goal.” 

The need for effective policy, regulation, and capacity building 

Health and Mass Media Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jayasinghe also said that the Ministry had gathered around 40 experts from different Ministries, including the Health Ministry, to work on three key areas: food safety, healthy food habits, and nutrition surveillance. These groups were actively working on their respective areas, and a plenary session is scheduled to be held tomorrow to review progress and plan the next steps. 

He explained that developing a policy for food safety was important, and these teams would go through a document presented by the FAO alongside others to determine the best approach. There is also a need for structural changes because the current one was established in 1980. 

“We have FAC Food as an advisory company, a food control unit, and authorised officers around the country. Apart from us, the Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry has also come up with certain regulations with regard to primary production of food. I believe the country is in transformation, so we will be very carefully working in the area of food safety.”

FAO Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Representative Vimlendra Sharan also discussed strengthening food safety where a strong policy framework must be followed by legislation, regulation, and capacity-building efforts to ensure proper implementation. 

“A policy is not enough because it’s just a document which puts in words the vision that you have. For that policy to be enacted, you require an act. And for the act to come into force, you require regulations. For those regulations to be implemented, you require capacity. And for all that to flow through, you require awareness, you require advocacy. This is what this BESPA program is all about. It is, from the beginning to the end, a vision where you make food absolutely safe, not just for the consumers here, but equally safe in terms of the exports that you do here.” 

Sharan explained that about two years ago, the Government, FAO, UNIDO, and the EU had collaborated on the BESPA project to translate Sri Lanka’s vision for food safety into action. The first phase had focused on drafting a comprehensive policy, shaped through extensive stakeholder meetings and consultations. The draft was now with the Government, undergoing thorough evaluation, considering its budgetary and administrative implications. However, the final decision would shape the country’s approach to food safety, bringing forward a structured and regulatory framework. 

Based on the policy, a model act has also been prepared, with best practices brought into the country from around the world, Sharan added. When the policy has been adopted, the regulations would come into play. For it all to be a success, strong lab infrastructure, good data, and a good understanding and knowledge of food safety issues amongst public health inspectors would be necessary. “While all this is being put in place, what is extremely important is advocacy and consumer awareness,” he said.

Beyond domestic food safety improvements, aligning with global standards for food safety is also crucial for Sri Lanka’s economic growth, highlighted the experts.

The economic impacts of food safety 

An essential part of Sri Lanka’s food safety reforms is ensuring the country’s ability to compete in the global food export market. Without aligning with international food safety standards, especially Codex, Sri Lankan food products would struggle to gain acceptance in the global market, Sharan also pointed out. 

“Now, there is an $ 8 trillion international market in which Sri Lanka has a miniscule proportion, and of that minuscule proportion, tea also has a minuscule proportion. The rest of the commodities just don’t. There’s hardly any commodity which is featured and there is still so much scope. The EU, which is a funding partner itself, aims for about $ 2,200 billion worth of food trade just in the EU. How much of that market have we captured? Really nothing. So it is extremely important for Sri Lanka to improve its safety standards and align it with Codex.” 

Additionally, considering food borne-illnesses and health is also crucial for Sri Lanka’s economic development, because effective changes that contribute to food safety will result in more productivity in the country, added Dr. Jayasinghe. Therefore, structural change for food safety is also important for the exports sector and the economic growth of the country as well. 

As Sri Lanka works towards a more efficient regulatory framework, collaboration between key stakeholders remains essential. UN Resident Coordinator to Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche emphasised the importance of collective action and strong collaboration between the Government, industry, and the media. Public awareness also played a crucial role in shaping consumer behaviour and strengthening food safety across the entire value chain.  A part of the knowledge-sharing session was also a high-level panel discussion with speakers including Consumer Affairs Authority Director Samantha Karunaratne, University of Peradeniya Department of Food Science and Technology Professor Eresha Mendis, Ceylon Biscuits Group Regulatory Senior Manager Ruwantha Silva, Sri Lanka and Maldives Assistant FAO Representative Nalin Munasinghe, and the Centre of Investigative Reporting (CIR) Director and Senior Journalist Dilrukshi Handunnetti. EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and Maldives Program Manager Chandana Hewawasam also spoke at the event. 

The BESPA project champions a holistic approach to food safety reforms by empowering stakeholders, enhancing communication, and fostering collaborative partnerships. The event underscored a shared vision for safer food systems in Sri Lanka, reinforcing the commitment of the FAO, EU, and the Sri Lankan Government to strengthening food safety legislation and improving public health outcomes. 

The EU has been instrumental in advancing food safety in Sri Lanka, providing financial and technical support to enhance food safety practices and infrastructure. Through capacity-building initiatives, training programs for industry stakeholders, and public awareness campaigns, the EU has helped strengthen the expertise of food safety authorities and empowered consumers to make informed choices. This ongoing collaboration continues to foster a safer and more resilient food system for the country. 

Pix by Lasantha Kumara