Fiji’s Food Safety Revolution: Aiming for Healthier Plates!

Fiji has made significant strides in enhancing its food safety system, collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and various agencies to ensure safer food for its citizens. The Permanent Secretary for Trade, Shaheen Ali, emphasized the importance of trust in food safety, stating that consumers need to be confident that the food they consume is safe and that businesses adhere to the law.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Ali noted that over 125 million people in the Western Pacific suffer from foodborne illnesses each year, underscoring the necessity for improved food safety measures. To this end, Fiji’s National Food Safety Taskforce, spearheaded by Trade Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, has conducted over 130 joint inspections, leading to the closure of non-compliant businesses.

Ali pointed out the challenges faced by outdated and overloaded laboratory systems. The FAO-supported initiative aims to enhance food safety testing and raise public awareness, enabling both individuals and businesses to better understand food safety standards. As part of Fiji’s National Digital Strategy, the government is also digitizing licensing and approval processes through innovative platforms, which is expected to streamline regulations and enhance safety.

In line with previous initiatives, such as the introduction of the Food Safety Act in 2003 and the Food Safety Regulations in 2009, these modern approaches are expected to improve the overall health of the population and economic resilience. Ali urged all stakeholders to convert the workshop’s insights into actionable changes that promote long-lasting improvements in food safety across the region.

This proactive approach not only aims to safeguard public health but also sets a commendable example for other Pacific nations, inspiring collaborative efforts to tackle shared challenges. Through these initiatives, Fiji endeavors to foster a safer and healthier environment, benefiting its citizens and potentially influencing broader regional standards.