Sri Lanka has launched its first National Food Safety Policy, establishing a comprehensive framework to safeguard public health, strengthen food systems and support economic growth through a coordinated, risk-based approach to food safety.
Developed under the leadership of the Health Ministry through its Food Control Administration Unit, the Policy establishes a national vision of ensuring safe, healthy and quality food for all, while strengthening coordination among institutions responsible for food safety across the food chain, from production to consumption.
Although Sri Lanka has an established legal framework governing food safety, it previously lacked an overarching national policy to coordinate efforts across institutions and sectors. The new Policy seeks to address this gap by providing strategic direction on governance, surveillance, risk assessment and communication, laboratory capacity, legislation and awareness among producers, food businesses and consumers.
It also addresses emerging challenges linked to changing food production systems, expanding domestic and international trade, evolving consumer preferences and increasingly complex supply chains. The Policy promotes preventive, science-based and risk-based approaches while strengthening coordination at national, Provincial and Local levels.
Health Ministry Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe said the Policy marked a significant milestone in strengthening public health and building confidence in food systems. He said its framework would promote prevention, scientific risk management and stronger cross-sectoral coordination, while enhancing the competitiveness of the agrifood sector.
The Policy was developed with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Union (EU) through the EU-funded Best Standardised Practices for the Agri-Food Sector (BESPA) programme.
FAO provided national and international technical expertise, supporting the preparation of the initial draft and its subsequent refinement through technical reviews and stakeholder consultations.
The operationalisation of the Policy will be supported by an updated Food Act, which will provide the legislative framework for strengthening food safety controls. In July, the FAO supported a national stakeholder consultation to review the latest draft of the proposed Act and obtain final technical inputs.
The Policy outlines six priority areas: strengthening governance and institutional coordination; improving controls throughout the food chain; enhancing legislation and regulatory systems; strengthening surveillance, laboratories and risk analysis; promoting communication, education and capacity development; and establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
EU Head of Cooperation Dr Johann Hesse said strong food safety systems were essential for public health, resilient food systems, market confidence and new economic opportunities.
FAO Representative for Sri Lanka Vimlendra Sharan said the Policy provides a strategic roadmap for coordinated, preventive and science-based food safety management.
The Policy is expected to reduce foodborne illnesses and food losses, improve consumer confidence and nutrition outcomes, facilitate international trade, support tourism and strengthen the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s food and agriculture sectors.