The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently concluded a comprehensive nine-month assessment of Barbados’ National Food Control System, culminating in a pivotal workshop at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
The workshop, attended by high-level executives, resulted in the endorsement of the final report’s recommendations and a firm commitment to implementing its strategic plan. This assessment is a key component of the “Building Blocks for Food Systems Transformation in Barbados” technical cooperation project, initiated in September 2023. The aim was to strengthen food safety and quality, animal and plant health, and provide crucial insights into the institutional framework for coordinating food safety in Barbados.
The assessment utilized the FAO/World Health Organization (WHO) Food Control System Assessment Tool, a globally recognized instrument for evaluating national food control systems across the entire food chain. This tool supports Barbados’ efforts to align with international standards, enhancing regional and global trade.
FAO experts, including Food Safety Specialist Jaime Flores, Animal Health Specialist Jairo Romero, and Food Safety and Quality Consultant Nadine Benn-Greaves, provided technical guidance throughout the assessment. They collaborated with 26 focal points from Barbados’ Competent Authorities, conducting data collection, reviews, and validation. Training sessions in May and field visits in November 2024 facilitated the process, leading to a comprehensive report and actionable recommendations.
“In food safety, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” stated Juan Cheaz, FAO Representative for Barbados (ai). “Effective coordination is essential. We now have clear evidence and a shared vision for improvement. We urge all stakeholders to collaborate beyond institutional boundaries, ensuring a robust system that protects Barbados, its consumers, its hospitality sector, and its trade capabilities.”
The final workshop, held last month, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, to review findings, prioritize actions, and develop a strategic framework. Discussions also focused on the institutional structure for food control and a legal review of the Food Safety Bill, supported by FAO’s legal department.
Following the workshop, senior officials endorsed the assessment’s recommendations, committing to a shared vision and strategic plan, and pledged to promote synergies and engage donors. This milestone marks a significant step towards enhancing food safety and quality in Barbados.
