Sri Lanka launches inaugural National Food Safety Policy

Sri Lanka has launched its first National Food Safety Policy, establishing a coordinated, risk-based framework to regulate the food supply chain from production to consumption. Developed by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media through the Food Control Administration Unit, the initiative received technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and funding from the European Union.

The policy aims to harmonize various existing laws, institutions, and standards into a single overarching system. Key priorities include strengthening institutional coordination, improving food controls, updating legislation, enhancing laboratory capacity, and increasing public education. It also focuses on scientific risk analysis and surveillance to address modern challenges such as evolving production methods and complex international trade.

Beyond protecting domestic public health, the policy serves an economic purpose by helping Sri Lankan agricultural exports meet international safety standards. This is particularly relevant for maintaining access to demanding markets like the European Union, where concerns regarding agrochemical residues have previously impacted trade. The framework is expected to provide clearer regulatory roadmaps for producers and exporters while ensuring safer food options for consumers in local markets and retail settings.