The government will get assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the BESPA-FOOD (Best Standardized Practices for the Agri-Food Sector) initiative, which is sponsored by the European Union (EU). By implementing institutional adjustments in the nation’s food safety policy and regulatory framework in order to adopt preventative, risk-based measures throughout the supply chain, FAO will closely collaborate with the Ministry of Health through the 6.5 million Euro project.
The majority of the end-product tests and restrictions are the emphasis of Sri Lanka’s present food safety regulatory rules. The food safety sector in Sri Lanka is governed by a regulatory framework that was established in 1980. The sector faces challenges such as weak institutional and regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and an approach that does not take into account all aspects of the food supply chain from farm to table.
To close these gaps, FAO will also collaborate with the Ministries in charge of the agriculture, livestock development, and fisheries industries, as well as other parties involved in the agri and food industries, such as consumers, SMEs, and private businesses, to completely transform the nation’s standards for food safety through institutional and mental changes.
“Food safety requires a collaborative effort. That is why in Sri Lanka we work together with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), FAO and local partners to promote a transition to a sustainable and fair food system that can provide sufficient and safe food for all,” said Chargé d’affaires, Delegation of the European Union in Sri Lanka, Mr. Lars Bredal.
“Ensuring safe food for all Sri Lankans is not only a public health priority but also an economic necessity. We must continue to strengthen our capacity for food safety, invest in research and innovation, and prioritize consumer awareness and education. At FAO, we remain committed to working closely with our partners to achieve a food-secure and safe Sri Lanka,” said FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Vimlendra Sharan.
BESPA-FOOD, a project jointly run by FAO and UNIDO and funded by the EU, acknowledges that Sri Lanka’s potential in international trade is hampered by the current low levels of food safety standards, particularly when trading with nations where markets are heavily regulated. In addition to lowering the high cost of healthcare services, strengthening the food safety sector will also help the nation’s overall food security by fostering a robust and competitive domestic and international food industry and addressing the problem of food loss and waste.
According to a recent UNIDO study, Sri Lanka’s food safety procedures could be improved with a 30 million USD investment and a 9 million USD net budgetary commitment each year, which would prevent at least 113 deaths annually and significantly increase annual export values, which are expected to rise by 24% over the next ten years.
The EU, UNIDO, and FAO reaffirm their commitment to promoting food safety in Sri Lanka through the BESPA-FOOD initiative on this World Food Safety Day. A safer, more resilient, and economically active food industry will result from this cooperative effort, assuring the wellbeing and long-term growth of the nation and its citizens.
