Egyptian Food Safety Information Center

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What is EFSIC ?

ماذا تعرف عن المركز المصري لمعلومات سلامة الغذاء؟

Egyptian Food Safety Information Center (EFSIC) is a newly established activity in the Food Technology Research Institute (FTRI), Agriculture Research Center (ARC). It was recommended after the analysis of the diagnostic study of the development of food safety system in Egypt to offer information, education , advisory and training which represent a very important area in food safety system. The center is established with the aim of improving the Food Safety system of Egypt in the private area, from the point of view of the productive system (primary and of transformation), the distribution and the food consumption.

The development of the project by the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, funded by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation A.E.C.I., is carried out by The Spanish Technological Centre ainia, which shall also direct and coordinate local work through the Egyptian Food Technology Research Institute (FTRI).

Why there is a need for EFSIC ?

    Confidence in the safety and integrity of the food supply is an important requirement for consumers. Consumers expect protection from hazards occurring the entire food chain from primary producer through consumer ( often described as from farm to table continuum). Factors which contribute to potential hazards in foods include improper agricultural practices, poor hygiene at all stages of food chain, lack of preventive controls in food processing and preparation operations, misuse of chemicals, contaminated raw materials, ingredients and water, inadequate or improper storage, etc. specific concerns about food hazards have usually focused on:
·     Microbiological hazards.
·     Pesticides residue.
·     Misuse of food additives.
·   Chemical contaminants, including biological toxins and adulteration.
             Protection will only occur if all sectors in the chain operate in an integrated way, and food control systems address all stages of this chain.
         As no mandatory activity of this nature can achieve its objectives without the cooperation and active participation of all stakeholders e.g. farmers, industry and consumers. Thus and ideal food control system should include effective enforcement of mandatory requirements, along with training and education, community outreach programs and promotion of voluntary compliance. The introduction of preventive approaches such as the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), have resulted in industry taking greater responsibility for and control food safety risks. Such an integrated approaches facilities improved consumer protection, affectively stimulates agriculture and the food processing industry and promotes domestic and international food trade.

An increasing important role for food control systems in the delivery of information, education, and advise to stakeholders across the farm-to- table continuum. These activities include the provision of balanced factual information to consumers, the provision information packages and educational programs for key officials and workers in the food industry, developing of training-the-trainer programs, and provision reference literature to extension workers in the agriculture and health sectors. That is the most important role of EFSIC, as a service provider, and the implementation of the preventive guidelines, based on the strategy of the risk identification and risk analysis, and risk communication.

Egyptian Food Safety Information Center (EFSIC)
المركز المصرى لمعلومات سلامة الغذاء

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