The National Food Safety Policy.

This National Food Safety Policy represents the multi-sectoral approach of the Kenyan food safety control system, implemented by the government and its agencies, inspired by the constitutional provisions of the access to safe food as a fundamental right, and the protection of public health, the reduction of poverty and the achievement of sustainable development. The overall objective of this Policy is to establish and maintain a rational, integrated farm to fork food safety system that harmonises inter-agency efforts, minimises inter-agency conflicts and ensures the protection of public safety and food trade in a manner consistent with international requirements. The Policy defines the following relevant terms: contaminant; feed; food, as any substance, whether processed, semi processed or raw, which is intended for human consumption, and includes drink, chewing gum and any substance used in the manufacture, preparation or treatment of "food" except for drugs; food handler; food hygiene; food premises; food safety; food poisoning and food borne diseases; hazard; risk analysis; risk assessment; street-vended food.
This Policy addresses food safety issues in the broad areas of legal and regulatory framework, information, education and communication; traceability; capacity building; emerging and re-emerging food safety challenges; validation, inspection, certification; institutional framework, mandates and capacities'; monitoring and evaluation. The National Food Safety policy aims at protecting and promoting consumer health, while facilitating the orderly development of the food industries as well as fair practices in food trade. The Government will develop a participatory implementation plan, through the establishment of a National Food Safety Authority and an Integrated Food Control System to harmonise operations and enhance coordination. The Policy is structured as follows: situation analysis; statement of scope; Policy statement on food safety; goal and objectives; Policy issues and areas of interventions; Policy coordination and implementation; monitoring and evaluation.