Chapter 236 - Brunei Darussalam Food Authority (S45/2020) - Revised Edition 2022.

This Law, comprising 36 articles and 4 Schedules, provides a comprehensive framework for the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority. The law outlines the Authority's establishment under Article 3, its operational structure with a Board of Directors, and the delegation of certain functions. The Act, particularly in Section 8, defines the Authority's diverse responsibilities, including regulating food safety and quality, advising the government, licensing, ensuring compliance, and international representation. Public health, public interest, global food standards, effective service provision, and efficiency must be considered in carrying out these functions. Section 9 empowers the Authority to engage in activities it deems fit for fulfilling its functions, as outlined in Schedule 2. Financially, the Authority follows a strict budgeting process, preparing an annual budget for approval by the Board. This budget includes projected revenue, income, and expenditures, with a requirement to submit the approved budget to the Minister of Finance and Economy for further approval. Article 15 establishes the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority Fund applied in defraying the following charges (i) member remuneration and employee salaries; (ii) maintenance expenses; (iii) interest payments, repayment of financing to the government, sinking funds, property depreciation; (iv) charitable contributions, and other authorized expenditures. The remaining balance is designated for creating a general reserve and additional reserves at the Authority's discretion. The Authority must maintain proper accounts and records of its transactions, ensuring transparency and accountability in its financial management. Additionally, the document addresses the preservation of secrecy regarding the Authority's affairs. Members, officers, employees, consultants, or agents of the Authority are prohibited from disclosing confidential information, with penalties for violations.