Food Safety and Export Opportunities in The Bahamas
The Bahamas has faced various challenges related to food safety in recent years, including foodborne illnesses, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulations. Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell, emphasized the importance of acknowledging these unique challenges in the country’s food safety efforts.
Minister Campbell highlighted the logistical challenges of transporting food safely and efficiently in an archipelago with over 700 islands and cays. This can lead to longer shipping times and potential spoilage or contamination of perishable goods, making it difficult for small-scale and local producers to implement effective food safety measures and comply with standards.
The Minister noted that the country relies heavily on imported food products, but the government is working to change this by supporting initiatives that create economic opportunities for Bahamian agribusinesses and diminish the nation’s agricultural trade imbalance.
Preventive Controls for Human Food Course
The Ministry is supporting a three-day Preventive Controls for Human Food Course, facilitated by the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. The course aims to equip food producers, processors, quality assurance professionals, and regulatory inspectors with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements for the US Food and Drug Administration Processed Food Import Certification.
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to export Bahamian food products to the US, which is critical for both export opportunities and the nation’s own food safety. Minister Campbell emphasized that food safety is not just a regulatory requirement, but a fundamental aspect of public health and community welfare.
US Support for Food Security
US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish reiterated the US government’s commitment to supporting food security in The Bahamas. She highlighted the US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) and the Food Security Pillar, which aims to address the barriers the Caribbean faces in the agricultural trade.
The course is part of the US efforts to assist The Bahamas in prioritizing agriculture in its nationwide agenda, diversifying and modernizing the sector, and improving the export of locally grown products.
Course Topics
The course will cover a range of topics, including:
- Introduction to a food safety plan
- Good manufacturing practices
- Biological food safety hazards
- Food allergen preventive controls determination
- Sanitation preventive controls
- Supply chain controls
- Validation and verification procedures
- Record-keeping procedures
- Recall plan
Conclusion
The Preventive Controls for Human Food Course is an important step towards improving food safety and export opportunities in The Bahamas. By equipping local producers with the knowledge and skills needed to meet US food safety standards, the course aims to create new economic opportunities and promote the country’s food security.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Preventive Controls for Human Food Course?
A: The course aims to equip food producers, processors, quality assurance professionals, and regulatory inspectors with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements for the US Food and Drug Administration Processed Food Import Certification.
Q: What are the benefits of completing the course?
A: Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to export Bahamian food products to the US, which is critical for both export opportunities and the nation’s own food safety.
Q: What is the US government’s role in supporting food security in The Bahamas?
A: The US government is committed to supporting food security in The Bahamas through initiatives such as the US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) and the Food Security Pillar.