National Food Control Systems: Lessons from Mauritius

Abstract

Food control systems are being established or revamped in many countries because of problems occurring along the food chain and the obligations of governments towards the World Trade Organization. The main components of an ideal food control system are food legislation, administration, enforcement and supporting bodies like analytical services and consumer organizations. Mauritius introduced modern legal instruments in 1998 in an attempt to reinvigorate food control. This article describes the components of the Mauritian Food Control System (MFCS). An appraisal of these components is then made. The methodology comprised a literature review and in-depth interviews with key informants and stakeholders of the local food control system. Although much progress was made with the introduction of new food legislation in 1998, other components of the local system like enforcement and various supporting bodies did not receive appropriate support. Other countries could use the lessons drawn from the Mauritian experience while setting up or upgrading their food control systems.

Key-risk factors on quality and safety of donated foods in the food aid supply chains: A theoretical framework

“…Proper management and administration of NFCS supports the execution of control activities at receipt of donated food products. Management and administration are important elements of NFCS that organise control activities and operational coordination, which prevent dangerous or substandard food from reaching consumers (Neeliah and Goburdhun, 2007;Neeliah et al, 2009). Administrative procedures, operational coordination, and national food control strategy are regarded as influencing factors of management and administration of NFCs (FAO/WHO, 2003).…”

“…Also, it governs all aspects of the production, handling, marketing and trade of food as a means to protect consumers against unsafe food and fraudulent practices (Hopper and Boutrif, 2007;Meulen et al, 2008). The primary purposes of food legislation are to protect the health of consumer, to Kussaga and Luning,149 protect the consumer from fraud and to ensure the essential quality and wholesomeness of food (Whitehead, 1995;Käferstein, 2003;Neeliah et al, 2009). It provides basis and authority for an operating NFCS (Codex Alimentarius Commission, 2003;Hopper and Boutrif, 2007;Neeliah and Goburdhun, 2007).…”

“…In addition, it should provide the competent authority with the power to accept, reject, detain, destroy, order to reprocess, return to country of export, designate as non-food use, apply risk-based sampling plan, and recall consignments following importation (Codex Alimentarius Commission, 2003). An efficient enforcement and monitoring system of food laws and regulations ensures proper execution of food control activities (Neeliah et al, 2009).…”

“…There is no compliance policy; decision to accept or reject a batch of product comes from the personnel Monitoring and enforcement system Proper monitoring and enforcement of food laws and regulations ensure proper implementation and effectiveness Availability of effective monitoring and enforcement procedures of food laws and regulations Not always monitoring and enforcement of food laws and regulations are carried out requirements of food quality standards, good practices (Good Agricultural practices (GAP); Good manufacturing practices (GMP); Good hygienic practices (GHP) and Good Distribution practices (GDP)), record keeping, product testing, and food handling, preparation and service (Whitehead, 1995;Neeliah et al, 2009). With respect to the storage and transportation conditions in donating countries it is assumed that if food is transported and or stored in appropriate conditions (e.g.…”

Complying with the clauses of the SPS Agreement: Case of a developing country

“…The Mauritian Food Control System has been described thoroughly (Neeliah, Goburdhun, & Neeliah, 2009). Food control can be considered to be centrally administered and enforced by the MOH.…”