PROJECT 108: Strengthening the control and analytical capabilities to improve the security of the food chain in the Atlantic African Façade region

Context

In the African Atlantic Façade (AAF) region, foodborne infections and intoxications pose a significant public health challenge. Effective control and protection of the food chain demand a comprehensive legal framework that fosters collaboration among various entities, implements preventive measures, and establishes an integrated crisis management system for these threats. However, such mechanisms are often lacking or inadequate in the countries of this region.

Overall objective

The project aims to develop and strengthen the legal framework, the control and analytical capabilities related to food safety, food defense and food fraud and the preparedness for the management of food safety crisis in the partner countries of the AAF region. This project aims to assure that the populations of the AAF region have safe, well-protected and healthy access to food.

Specific objectives

• To enhance the legal framework and knowledge of international, regional, and national food legislation and standards related to food safety, defense, and fraud.
• To enhance the analytical capabilities and boost regional and interregional collaboration, ensuring increased participation and representation of women, to contribute in ensuring food safety.
• To enhance emergency preparedness for effective intervention and response capabilities in the face of a food crisis.

Concrete activities

• Legal framework review and support: Comparative legal analysis and formulation of recommendations; organisation of national and regional workshops.
• Technical capacities assessment: Evaluation of current inspection and analytical systems; identification of needs and formulation of national roadmaps.
• Awareness and communication: Development of a regional communication strategy and national awareness-raising campaigns on food safety and fraud.
• Specialised training: Delivery of national and regional trainings on food hazards, detection, inspection, and international standards (e.g. HACCP, ISO 22000).
• Food defense and fraud plans: Development of practical Food Defense and Fraud Prevention Plans through regional workshops and simulations.
• Simulation exercise: Organisation of a regional tabletop and field exercise to test national emergency preparedness and crisis response mechanisms.

Expected results

• The revised existing legal framework of the AAF partner countries (PCs) support proposals for legal amendments in each PC.
• AAF national and local authorities, private and public analytical laboratories, consumer associations, women’s organisations, food safety companies and specialists, food safety authorities and control agencies are identified in each PC.
• AAF national and regional authorities, private and public analytical laboratories, legal experts, different sectors of the food industry, consumer associations, women’s organisations, food safety experts, food safety authorities, including women, etc are familiar with the concept of food safety, defence and fraud in each PC.
• AAF national food processors and distributors, food safety trainers, food safety and quality managers, food safety authorities, specialised professional training centres, universities and research institutes, including women, are trained on food hazards, detection, monitoring and control, and EU and international standards on food safety.
• AAF national food processors and distributors, food safety trainers, food safety and quality managers and food safety authorities, including women, draw up an emergency preparedness food defence and a food fraud plan, ensuring the use of a standardised methodology while factoring in national characteristics and contextual specificities.
• National AAF food processors and distributors, food safety trainers, food safety and quality managers and food safety authorities, including women, draw up a food defense and a food fraud plan for a specific product and facility.
• AAF national personnel, including women, are familiarised with food safety issues through regional tabletop and field exercises.

Expected achievements

• Inception missions successfully conducted in Senegal, Mauritania, with initial stakeholder mappings and legal/technical assessments initiated.
• Selection and contracting of legal and technical national experts in 6 countries.
• Kick-off workshop organised on 16 May 2025 in Brussels with participation of key project partners, national focal points, UNICRI, and EU representatives.
• Communication and visibility strategy under development.