By Burnett Munthali
In a significant move towards enhancing food safety and public health, Malawi’s Ministry of Health has unveiled a new food safety and hygiene policy. This initiative, announced by Kondwani Mamba, Deputy Director for Community and Preventive Health, aims to bring together all stakeholders in a unified effort to improve food hygiene standards across the country. The announcement took place at Katelera Primary School in Salima District during the commemoration of World Food Day, celebrated under the theme “Food Safety: Preparing for the Unexpected.”
Mamba emphasized that food safety is a collective responsibility, highlighting the importance of maintaining hygienic standards throughout the entire food supply chain. “Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that the food we consume is safe and hygienic,” he stated, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to fostering nationwide awareness and collaboration among communities, industries, and government bodies to enhance food hygiene practices.
Supporting this call for collective responsibility, Hudson Kubwalo, Health Promotion Officer for the World Health Organization (WHO), applauded the government’s initiative and reiterated WHO’s support for Malawi’s food safety advancements. Kubwalo emphasized that improving food hygiene not only has health benefits but also positions Malawi more competitively on the international trade market, as higher food safety standards meet global demands. He urged for a nationwide increase in awareness campaigns, which he believes could lead to long-term improvements in food safety practices and boost trade.
Adding to the discourse, Ephraim Manthepa, Chairperson of the Salima District Council, stressed the importance of educating Malawians on the essential role of food hygiene in health and well-being. Manthepa remarked that raising public awareness would help foster a culture where hygienic food handling is the norm, ultimately leading to healthier communities and a reduction in foodborne illnesses.
The new food safety policy reflects Malawi’s proactive approach to addressing public health risks associated with food hygiene. By promoting a unified approach, the Ministry aims to prepare Malawians for potential food safety challenges, ensuring resilience and readiness across communities.
