Page 17 - AA 2025 Year Book Summary

Comoros

Strengthening Food Safety in Comoros

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) successfully
concluded a crucial training program in Comoros aimed at
enhancing the country’s food safety measures. The initia-
tive, supported by a financial contribution from the govern-
ment of Ireland, is part of a broader FAO effort to improve
national food control systems globally. The program focuses
on strengthening food safety in light of the country’s reliance
on imported food – a challenge highlighted in a recent Euro-
pean Union-funded assessment supported by FAO.
With Comoros importing around 80% of its food, the train-
ing aimed to equip local authorities, academic institutions,
and other stakeholders, with the tools necessary for effec-
tive risk-based food inspections. These included knowledge
of legal frameworks, border control procedures, and how to The outcomes of this project will significantly advance Co-
implement a system that supports both trade and food safety. moros’ commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of its
food supply as the country works to harmonize its food con-
“By adopting a risk-focused approach, the competent au-
thorities can allocate resources more effectively, reducing trol measures with regional standards. With this project, FAO
health risks, preventing contamination incidents, and there- is providing technical support to help the government im-
by protecting consumers and strengthening public confi- plement the strategic action plan developed from the 2023
dence in available products. EU-funded assessment. FAO’s ongoing support will focus
on strengthening the country’s food control system, ensur-
An essential aspect of the training was its emphasis on ing continuity with past projects and securing the long-term
community involvement in food safety efforts. The project impact of the intervention.
encourages local stakeholders to work together in identi-
fying challenges and developing solutions tailored to Co-
moros’ unique context as a Small Island Developing State Production (Tonnes) of some agricultural
(SIDS). “This approach fosters collective commitment to ad- commodities in Comoros (2022- 2023)
hering to food safety standards,” Ms Marouf explained. “By Item 2022 Flag 2023 Flag
training local actors in modern methods and technologies Bananas 80874.2 I 79667.38 I
for monitoring, traceability, and control, Comoros can estab- Cassava, fresh 58097.61 I 58241.63 I
lish a resilient system, capable of adapting and responding Cloves (whole stems), raw 7392.82 E I 7662.74 E I
43.22
Cocoa beans
43.12
to new health and phytosanitary challenges.” Coconuts, in shell 84183.1 I 76623.14 I
The training sessions included workshops on risk-based Coffee, green 142.79 I 143.76 I
inspection methods, legal frameworks, and enforcement Cucumbers and gherkins 2268 I 2349 I
Groundnuts, excluding
strategies, aimed at building a deeper understanding of ef- shelled 4793.19 I 4847.17 I
fective food safety management. Maize (corn) 19173.59 I 19684.42 I
Onions and shallots, green 1614.24 I 1644.03 I
Dr. Abeid Said Nassor, a lecturer at the University of Co- Other fruits, n.e.c. 3877.19 I 3878.41 I
moros, explained the value of the program: “The training Other pulses n.e.c. 9647.29 I 10197.55 I
provided me with essential knowledge to improve food Other vegetables, fresh n.e.c. 4345.47 I 4358.96 I
safety practices and inspections through an in-depth study Pigeon peas, dry 395.63 E 394.64 E
3491.75
3554.88
of the legislative and regulatory texts related to food safety.” Potatoes 10576.47 I I 10852.76 I I
Sweet potatoes
Following the training, the project will have a 12-month du- Taro 13169.83 I 13364.53 I
ration, culminating in the development of a national legal re- Tomatoes 11295.98 I 11472.9 I
243.92
219.43
port with recommendations. This will include the revision of Vanilla, raw 30716.43 I I 30831.12 I I
Yams
legal instruments and continued capacity-building to raise I : Imputed value, E : Estimated value
awareness and improve compliance. The project will also Source: FAO Statistical Division 2025
help local workforce create risk profiles for imported food
products, classifying them based on risk levels, and piloting
a risk-based import inspection program.
These efforts are expected to improve Comoros’ capacity
to access both domestic and international markets, paving
the way for sustainable economic growth.

Arab Agriculture 2025 15