FAO, SSNBS Collaborate to Improve Food Safety in South Sudan

By Awan Achiek

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), conducted a one-day consultative workshop on food safety in Juba on Tuesday.

The workshop gathered policymakers, experts, and private sector members to discuss policies aimed at addressing food safety issues.

Speaking during the workshop’s opening in Juba, Gloria Nyoka Joseph, the Executive Director of the National Bureau of Standards, stated that the purpose of the workshop was to develop a policy focused on addressing food safety concerns.

“We want to tackle the issue of food safety. It is not easy to address it without policies. This is why this consultative meeting was convened, to identify the policies that we really need in South Sudan to ensure that food safety risks are managed,” Nyoka said.

She emphasised the importance of establishing a National Food Safety Committee to address all food safety issues.

“The National Bureau of Standards is a partner with other stakeholders, and we want to ensure that we have these policies to tackle the issues that are affecting us,” she added.

Peter Abui Paul, a Market Development Specialist at FAO South Sudan, stated that they are collaborating with the National Bureau of Standards to ensure food safety for consumption.

“Food safety and quality standards are a key element of the FAO’s strategic framework, which aims to transform agri-food systems into more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable models for better production, nutrition, and environmental health, leaving no one behind,” said Abui.

He noted that the workshop aimed to identify the priority needs that would allow South Sudan to make a more significant contribution to national goals regarding food safety.

“FAO South Sudan has been delivering safe food for everyone through policy work, awareness initiatives, and capacity strengthening for government value chain operators and consumers,” he explained.

Dr Rita Gabriel Tulba, Director General at the Drug and Food Control Authority, confirmed their commitment to safeguarding the health of citizens in South Sudan.

“Nowadays, we are experiencing many cases of antibiotic resistance. When you get sick and use an antibiotic, your body may not respond as it should,” Gabriel said.

“Antibiotic resistance is a serious health concern for our people. Therefore, South Sudan really needs to establish a national standard.”