Sri Lanka has taken a major step toward safeguarding public health and modernizing its agricultural sector by formulating a new national food safety policy, developed in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Key Highlights
- Formulated with technical and strategic support from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- Focuses on modernizing food inspection systems and streamlining regulatory oversight.
- Aims to protect consumer health, reduce foodborne illness, and expand agricultural export market opportunities.
The new policy framework is designed to address critical vulnerabilities across Sri Lanka’s entire food supply chain—from primary production at the farm level to processing, distribution, and retail. By strengthening surveillance and establishing rigorous testing protocols, the initiative seeks to align national practices with international food safety standards.
Beyond protecting domestic consumers, officials anticipate that the robust policy will significantly enhance the global competitiveness of Sri Lankan agricultural exports. Compliance with internationally recognized guidelines, such as Codex Alimentarius, is expected to open new trade avenues and bolster trust among international trading partners.