Principal Secretary of the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards delivered remarks at the 5th World Food Safety Day. During her speech, Mary M Muriuki praised Kenya’s significant contribution to international food standards. The event celebrating the 5th World Food Safety Day was held at Safari Park Hotel today.
Principal Secretary of the State Department of Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, accompanied the Principal Secretary to the event. She commended the country’s involvement in formulating scientific-based standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. The government has been working with the “Codex Alimentarius.” These standards serve as a valuable reference for Kenya’s food safety regulations, ensuring consumer protection and responsible production practices.
The Principal Secretary emphasized that investing in developing these standards, coupled with consumer education, can substantially impact reducing foodborne illnesses and generating positive returns on investment. This highlights Kenya’s strong commitment to food safety and its potential to improve public health.
In addition to the commendation, the Principal Secretary addressed the challenges of maintaining food safety standards in local and international trade as the global food supply expands. She emphasized strengthening regional food safety systems to protect public health and promote fair trade practices. Implementing robust food safety regulations and standards is crucial in effectively managing the risks linked to traded foods.
She talked about the impact of climate change on farming activities. Additionally, Muriuki highlighted the importance of educating farmers on modern and food safety-sensitive practices. Extreme weather conditions, such as rising temperatures, pose challenges during harvesting and post-harvest processes, leading to various hazards. “By prioritizing food safety, farmers can not only safeguard public health but also secure their economic well-being,” said the Principle Secretary.
Principal Secretary Muriuki also commended the collaborative efforts between the Kenyan government and stakeholders. They have done this across the food value chain through public-private partnerships. She mentioned the Kenya National Food Fortification Alliance in her remarks. It an exemplary initiative to enhance the nation’s health by increasing micronutrient intake in widely consumed foods. These collaborations are vital in promoting a safer and more nutritious food supply.
