Food Act, 2005.

This Act regulates the import, export and trade of food in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The Act consists of 11 Chapters divided into 91 sections.
Chapter II specifies the general powers of the Minister responsible for agriculture. A National Food Quality and Safety Commission is established under Chapter III. Duties and responsibilities of the Commission are set out in section 18. Chapter IV enables the Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) to implement the provisions of this Act. The responsibilities of this authority are listed in section 21. Chapter V provides for the establishment of the National Codex Committee, whose duties are outlined in section 31. Chapter VI deals with matters related to food inspectors and analysts. The BAFRA shall be responsible for food inspection activities carried out in Bhutan. Inspections shall be carried out in order to supervise on the following: hygiene of food businesses and their installations; substances used in food manufacturing or food preservation; health and hygiene of personnel employed at food businesses; packaging materials; labelling, etc. All food businesses and food shall meet the prescribed standards for quality and safety established by the Minister (Chapter VII). Chapter VIII deals with the import and export of food. All imported food must be certified by the recognized authority in the exporting country and must meet the standards established in Bhutan. Food may be imported into or exported from Bhutan at an officially designated border point. Chapters IX to XI contain enforcement provisions, offences and penalties, and provisions of miscellaneous nature.