By Alieu Ceesay
Officials of the Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA), supported by key partners, took to the streets of the Kanifing Municipality on Sunday in a vibrant health walk and public sensitization drive to commemorate World Food Safety Day.
The colorful procession, which drew residents of the bustling urban area, served as the centerpiece of a broader nationwide campaign to promote safe food-handling practices, proper hygiene, and disease prevention. Participants emphasized critical messages such as regular handwashing, safe food storage, and the dangers of cross-contamination, as food safety concerns continue to rise both locally and globally.
The event is part of a series of activities organized by FSQA across The Gambia to strengthen the country’s food safety systems and educate citizens on best practices in food production, processing, and consumption.
Speaking at the event, FSQA Director General Mamodou Bah described the day’s activities as more than a one-off celebration, but part of a sustained national effort to elevate food safety standards.
“This day is not only celebrated today,” Bah said.
“Two days ago, we had the inauguration of the Food and Drug Regulatory Laboratory, which is a giant step in food safety systems in The Gambia and the sub-region.”
Bah highlighted significant support from development partners including Shelter for Life, GIRAF, FAO, WHO, the Gambia National Olympic Committee, the European Union, and the World Bank, whose contributions have been instrumental in advancing the country’s food safety initiatives.
Looking ahead, Bah announced the imminent launch of the National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee, which will ensure compliance with agricultural and food safety standards.
“Tomorrow, we are going to launch the National SPS Committee, responsible for making sure that all agricultural practices are adequately adhered to and that we have conformity and compliance with food standards,” he stated.
He also noted The Gambia’s leadership role as coordinator of the FAO-WHO Codex Coordinating Committee for Africa (CCAfrica), a position the country assumed last year for a two-year term.
“We are coordinating all food safety work and leadership on the continent,” Bah said. “Marking today’s World Food Safety Day is a very important tool for us as FSQA.”
The Director General stressed that robust food safety systems are essential for expanding market access for Gambian exports such as groundnuts and fish, while facilitating the safe import of rice. He underscored the economic benefits, particularly for women and young people engaged in agribusiness, saying stronger standards would create employment and drive economic growth.
Expert committees under the SPS framework will focus on scientific issues related to testing, certification, inspection, and compliance.
Bah expressed gratitude to FSQA staff and partners, especially Mr. Sheriff Gomez of World for Health, for their tireless efforts in organizing the successful event.
The nationwide campaign reaffirms FSQA’s commitment to safer food systems, public health protection, and strengthening The Gambia’s position in regional and international food trade.
