Walvis Bay – Namibia has strengthened import controls for fishery and canned meat products. 

All products entering Namibia will be subjected to vigorous tests to ensure that unsafe products do not make it to the shelves. 

This initiative, under the steadfast support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), is a momentous step in our commitment to enhance food safety, agricultural productivity and the overall health of the consumers. 

Namibia previously faced major challenges in carrying out these inspections. 

As a result of these challenges, the Namibia Standards Institution (NSI), with the support of FAO, will focus on developing and implementing a robust import inspection system to tackle the existing gaps in traceability, and ensure compliance with national standards. 

NSI CEO Eino Mvula stated that Namibia is facing significant challenges concerning the importation and control of fishery products and canned meats. 

This is because the existing regulatory frameworks are not adequate to ensure that all imported goods adhere to the safety, quality and traceability standards set for local products. 

“This puts our consumers at risk, and compromises our market’s integrity in terms of imported food, particularly f ish and canned products entering the country. Hence, strengthening import inspection controls for fishery products and canned meat products in Namibia is significant, as it marks the beginning of an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing the nation’s food safety standards for fisheries and canned meat products. The launch of this project is set to transform the way Namibia handles food imports, ensuring that unsafe products do not enter the market or end up on local shelves,” he said. 

He said the project will bring together key stakeholders and experts to establish a collaborative approach to ensure food safety and compliance with international standards. 

“Our nation is currently facing significant challenges concerning the importation and control of fishery products and canned meats. The existing regulatory frameworks are not adequate to ensure that all imported goods meet the safety, quality and traceability standards we require for our local products. This puts our consumers at risk, and compromises our market’s integrity,” Mvula said. 

General manager of the testing and inspection centre Paloma Ellitson acknowledged the critical role the FAO has played in this project. 

“This project is a new chapter in our pursuit of excellence in quality infrastructure. It will go a long way in protecting consumers and promoting fair trade,” she said. 

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na