Minister Highlights Food Safety Challenges in the Bahamas
Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon. Jomo Campbell recently addressed the Preventive Controls for Human Food Course, highlighting the unique challenges faced by the Bahamas in terms of food safety.
Food Safety Challenges
According to Minister Campbell, the Bahamas has faced various challenges when it comes to exporting foodstuffs, including safety related to foodborne illnesses, supply chain disruptions that cause food to go off, and ever-changing regulations. He noted that transporting food safely and efficiently can be a logistical challenge, particularly given the country’s 700+ islands and cays.
Agricultural Trade Imbalance
Minister Campbell also emphasized the importance of addressing the country’s agricultural trade imbalance, noting that The Bahamas relies heavily on imported food products. He expressed the government’s desire to shift towards home-grown food production and increase economic opportunities for Bahamian agribusinesses.
US Support for Agricultural Development
US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish highlighted the US government’s support for agricultural development in the Bahamas, citing the US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030). She noted that the US government is working to address barriers to agricultural trade, including supply chain disruptions and lack of access to resources for small-scale producers.
Course Objectives
The three-day Preventive Controls for Human Food Course aims to provide Bahamian producers, processors, quality assurance professionals, and regulatory inspectors with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement effective food safety measures and comply with US standards. The course covers topics such as introduction to a food safety plan, good manufacturing practices, biological food safety hazards, and record-keeping procedures.
Conclusion
The completion of this course will enable participants to meet the requirements for the US Food and Drug Administration Processed Food Import Certification, allowing them to export Bahamian food products to the US. The course is a critical step in addressing the country’s food safety challenges and promoting economic opportunities for Bahamian agribusinesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
* Q: What are the objectives of the Preventive Controls for Human Food Course?
A: The course aims to provide Bahamian producers, processors, quality assurance professionals, and regulatory inspectors with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement effective food safety measures and comply with US standards.
* Q: What are the benefits of completing this course?
A: The completion of this course will enable participants to meet the requirements for the US Food and Drug Administration Processed Food Import Certification, allowing them to export Bahamian food products to the US.
* Q: Who can participate in this course?
A: Food producers, processors, quality assurance professionals, and regulatory inspectors are invited to participate in the course.