Food Act 2015 (No. 16 of 2015).
Country
Type of law
Legislation
Abstract
This Act provides with respect to food safety and hygiene in Samoa and establishes the Food and Nutrition Policy Committee. The purposes of this Act are: (a) to ensure that food is safe and suitable for human consumption; and (b) to improve nutrition; and (c) to prevent misleading conduct relating to the sale of food; and (d) to comply with Samoa’s international obligations.
A person who deals with food must take reasonable steps to ensure that the food is safe and suitable. A person must not falsely describe food intended for sale or sell falsely described food. The Act sets out labelling requirements for food including food for infants and children. The Act also provides for the control of imported food and food inspection in general and defines various offences in respect to food trade, labelling and importation. It also defines various duties of food operators. They must, among other things establish a food traceability system. No person may operate a food business unless the business has a current certificate of health issued under this Act in the manner prescribed by regulations.
The Act is administered by the Ministry of Health. The function of the Food and Nutrition Policy Committee is to advise the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry appointed pursuant to section 9 of the Ministry of Health Act 2006 ("Director General"). Before advising the Head of State to make Regulations, the Cabinet must take into account, among other things, the desirability of maintaining consistency between the regulations and any relevant standards, requirements, or recommended practices that apply or are accepted internationally including standards, guidelines and related texts published by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
A person who deals with food must take reasonable steps to ensure that the food is safe and suitable. A person must not falsely describe food intended for sale or sell falsely described food. The Act sets out labelling requirements for food including food for infants and children. The Act also provides for the control of imported food and food inspection in general and defines various offences in respect to food trade, labelling and importation. It also defines various duties of food operators. They must, among other things establish a food traceability system. No person may operate a food business unless the business has a current certificate of health issued under this Act in the manner prescribed by regulations.
The Act is administered by the Ministry of Health. The function of the Food and Nutrition Policy Committee is to advise the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry appointed pursuant to section 9 of the Ministry of Health Act 2006 ("Director General"). Before advising the Head of State to make Regulations, the Cabinet must take into account, among other things, the desirability of maintaining consistency between the regulations and any relevant standards, requirements, or recommended practices that apply or are accepted internationally including standards, guidelines and related texts published by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Attached files
Web site
Long title of text
An Act: (a) to regulate dealing with food, food business and inspection and analysis of food; and (b) to provide functions, duties and powers for the purpose of this Act; and (c) to regulate production, manufacture, importation and exportation, sale, donation, processing, cooking, handling, labeling, advertising, promotion of and information on food, including provision of food for community and traditional events and ceremonies; and (d) for related purposes.
Date of text
Notes
This Act: (a) is in addition to any other Act that regulates food; and (b) prevails, if there is any inconsistency between this Act and that other Act.
Repealed
No
Source language
English
Legislation Amendment
No
Amends
Implemented by