Kenyans will soon be able to share information online should they suspect any cases of compromised food safety standards.
This is after the government revealed it is in the process of developing an online platform that will act as a source for sharing information with the members of the public.
PS Public health and professional standards at the Ministry of Health Mary Muthoni further said the system will also act as a national food safety surveillance system.
Consumption of unsafe food has been blamed for unending foodborne diseases.
This comes even as the country struggles to contain a serious cholera outbreak that has led to at least 177 deaths across the country.
The outbreak has been attributed to the sprouting of unregulated water vendors and outsourcing of food from food vendors with questionable hygiene standards.
An assessment conducted by the ministry in collaboration with the affected counties also established that poor sanitation in informal urban settlements was another driving factor.
“Kenya is currently in the process of reviewing its food laws to establish and maintain a rational, seamless coordination mechanism with the aim of providing for enhanced food safety control system,” Muthoni said.
The Food Drugs and Chemical Substances Act Cap 254 has been the national food law for Kenya since independence.
Kenya contributes to the development of scientific-based international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice, commonly known as “Codex Alimentarius.”
This is used as a reference document for the development and implementation of food safety regulations and standards in the country.
“Kenya government is also working closely with other players along the food value chain through public-private partnership,” the PS said.
For instance, the Kenya National Food Fortification Alliance seeks to improve the country’s health through increased micronutrient intake.
It targets widely consumed foods like salt, maize meal, wheat flour and cooking oil and fats across the country.