-Recognizes 11 for excellence
ADDIS ABABA – Authority has taken legal and administrative actions against 933 food and health institutions over the past ten months as part of its effort to safeguard public health and ensure food safety.
Speaking at a recognition ceremony held yesterday, the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority (AAFDA) Executive Manager Muluemebet Tadesse said that the authority awarded 11 food and health-related institutions for their outstanding compliance with national regulatory standards during the 2024/25 Ethiopian fiscal year.
In her keynote address, Muluemebet emphasized the vital role of cross-sector collaboration to guarantee a safe, high-quality food system. She praised the awarded institutions for demonstrating strong self-regulation, adherence to best practices, and proactive compliance with safety regulations.
“Ensuring food safety is not solely the responsibility of the authority. It is a collective agenda for all stakeholders along the supply chain,” she stressed.
According to Muluemebet, the Authority conducted preliminary inspections in over 1,600 institutions during the past ten months. As a result, 933 institutions faced administrative and legal measures due to non-compliance with health and safety standards.
Also speaking on the occasion, Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) Food Sector Deputy Director General Negash Sime underlined the importance of a robust regulatory system in ensuring the safety of food and health products. He called for enhanced stakeholder engagement and capacity building at all levels of the production and supply chain.
“This recognition not only honors excellence but also raises the bar for food and health safety across the country. It encourages industry-wide accountability to protect the health of consumers,” Negash noted.
He also urged stakeholders to intensify efforts, especially in high-risk sectors, to ensure the safety of food and health products for citizens.
Globally, foodborne illnesses remain a major public health challenge. Each year, more than 600 million people are affected by over 200 types of food-related diseases, resulting in 420,000 deaths—including 125,000 children—due to contaminated food, it was highlighted at the event.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 20 JUNE 2025
