Food Safety Act

The Act aims to improve health protection, food security, life quality, and food safety in the country. The Act consists of 30 articles, divided into 6 Chapters; General Provisions (I); Duties on Food Security Control (II); Food Trade Conditions (III); Inspection (IV); Punishment (V); Miscellaneous Provisions (VI). The Act is applicable to legal and real persons who manufacture, process, import, export, store and supply foodstuffs. The Ministry of Public Health is responsible for the safety of processed food. The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock is required to control the quality and safety of the raw and fresh livestock, agricultural and plant products. The Act requires the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock to: collect, classify and evaluate information on security, safety and trade of food; inspect imported foodstuff in the harbors and markets; ensure the observance of the food security standards; prevent the sale of expired food; encourage research on the food-related subjects; collaborate with the food production chains' sector; provide in-work training programs; prohibit or restrict the use of additives; make food safety policies, strategies and guidelines for the emergency situation and in the time of natural disasters. To coordinate the activities and duties of various departments, the Act establishes the National Board for Food Safety with the presidency of the Minister of Public Health. The Act prohibits manufactures, importation, exportation, supply and sale of any foodstuff which are not consistent with national food safety standards and any foodstuff which are forbidden by Islamic rules. Importation and exportation of the food-related products are only possible with an official permit. The Act requires the regulation of national food safety standards based on international standards. The Package of all food products which will be sold in Afghanistan should be labeled with one of the official languages of the country or with another international language.