END OF THE PROJECT ON THE ANALYSIS OF THE NATIONAL FOOD CONTROL SYSTEM OF GUINEA BISSAU

Last January, COFREPECHE completed the project regarding the Analysis of the National Food Control System of Guinea Bissau.

The purpose of this project was to establish a diagnosis of the national control system for food products consumed at the national level and food products from the fisheries, beekeeping, fruit, vegetable and horticultural sectors (for production, import and export reproductive material in particular) and make the necessary recommendations for its upgrading to internationally recognized standards. The specific objectives were:·

• Analyze in detail the legislative and regulatory framework adopted at the national level;·
• Conduct an institutional audit on the competent authority;·
• Conduct an institutional audit and a technical evaluation of the quality control and health analysis laboratories present in Guinea-Bissau;·
• Evaluate the needs and obstacles to building a capacity for local analysis, and its recognition through accreditation;·
• Audit the procedures for approving establishments, product control and its certifications, with regard to the national, subregional (ECOWAS) legislative and regulatory framework and that of the European Union;·
• Make recommendations for adaptation, improvement, remediation and rationalization appearing necessary to make the food control system in Guinea-Bissau efficient and effective and allow recognition by the EU;·
• Make recommendations concerning quality control and health inspection laboratories, facilities, operation, equipment, staff assignments and their training, allowing consideration of their accreditation.

This project lasted for 10 months and two field missions were successfully carried out.