The Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki has emphasized the importance of safe food handling practices.
Speaking Thursday, the PS urged consumers to follow five keys to Safer Food by World Health Organisation (WHO) which include; keeping clean, separating raw and cooked items, cooking thoroughly, maintaining safe food temperatures, and using safe water and raw materials.
This as Kenya is gearing up to observe World Food Safety Day 2024 with a range of initiatives aimed at highlighting the importance of food safety.
The scheduled activities include a clean-up campaign at Soko Mpya market in Nyandarua County on June 4, 2024, followed by a conference at Safari Park Hotel from June 5 to 7, 2024.
This year’s theme for the World Food Safety Day 2024, is “Food Safety; Prepare for the Unexpected,” underscores the urgency of readiness in managing food safety incidents regardless of their magnitude.
PS Muthoni highlighted that unsafe food poses health risks and also hampers socioeconomic development by straining healthcare systems.
“Unsafe food not only poses health risks but also hampers socioeconomic development by straining healthcare systems and hindering national economies, tourism, and trade.” She highlighted.
Among the significant challenges facing Kenya, aflatoxin contamination in cereals, legumes, milk, and other dairy products; pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables; and the use of trans-fats were identified.
The PS noted that these issues have a substantial impact on consumer health and economic well-being.
Addressing these challenges, the Ministry of Health is spearheading various initiatives, including the Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill, 2023, currently in the Senate. “Our commitment to safeguarding consumers from substandard foods remains unwavering,” stated PS Muriuki.
Moreover, efforts such as the distribution of food safety guidelines, sensitization programs for public health officers, and the establishment of minilabs for aflatoxin analysis underscore the government’s proactive approach to ensure food safety.
