The press briefing aimed to address critical food safety issues that have been making headlines in recent days.
The Food Safety and Quality Authority of The Gambia (FSQA) was established by an Act of Parliament called The Food Safety and Quality Act, 2011 and it became operational in 2013.
The FSQA is the sole National Competent Authority with powers of delegation mandated to officially control the safety and quality of food and animal feed whether locally produced, imported or destined for export.
From last year to date, FSQA has fined five business entities, 17 closed, eight prosecuted and five mega disposals were carried out.
“We are closely working with the municipal police to help them have a better understanding on detecting expired products in the markets and act instantly by reporting them to our officers,” Director Bah said.
Mr Bah, moreover, said that they had sensitised market associations, prison cooks and inmates, police living in the barracks on what it means to be clean all the times and to eat good, safe, and healthy food.
FSQA boss also expressed their concern over the safety of the public, saying they are not encouraging people to buy expired products due to the huge health implications.
“I am encouraging citizen to be consuming iodized salt. The oil we eat should be fortified with vitamin A and the flour we consume too should also be fortified with iron to tackle iron deficiency in this country,” he explained.
DG Bah also expressed his Authority’s commitment to remove all source of risk as long as food and safety quality is concerned in The Gambia.
