Evaluating National Food Control System of Nepal: Part 3

Please read the information about FAO evaluation tool , part 1 and part 2 of the series before reading this third part.

In this post we will try to use the FAO tool to evaluate the National Food Control System of Nepal. The evaluation will be done in four dimensions:

Dimension A: Are system resources and inputs adequate?

Dimension B: How do the controls function?

Dimension C: How does the system interact with stakeholders?
Dimension D: Is the system evidence based ? Does it support continuous improvements?

In this part, we will only evaluate the third dimension C: “How does the system interact with stakeholders?”

(Source: FAO/WHO, 2019)

Here, we will try to evaluate the interactions with national and international stakeholders to have confidence and to keep them well informed about their responsibilities.

We are going to use the same qualitative scoring scale during evaluation:

1 = Absent

2 = Insufficient

3 = Basic requirements exist

4 = All requirements exist

5 = Exceeds the requirement

(Please note that CA has been used frequently as a short form for “Competent Authority”)

S.N.	Criteria	Score
C	INTERACTIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS
C.1	DOMESTIC STAKEHOLDERS
C.1.1	Relationships between CAs and private sector regarding training needs: Capacity development needs of FBOs are addressed with the right quality level to support compliance with regulation requirements
C.1.1.1	The CAs assess FBOs’ capacity development needs to inform and plan awareness campaigns, training and educational programmes	2
C.1.1.2	Where needs are identified, capacity development activities are leveraged or directly implemented by CAs to improve the understanding of a range of FBOs (primary producers, processors, small traders, food vendors, etc.) regarding the requirements of food regulations	2
C.1.1.3	There are formal attempts to identify which specific food controls are often poorly carried out by FBOs and these are addressed in the capacity development activities as conceived and arranged by, or in collaboration with, the CAs	1
C.1.2	Information flows and integration of FBOs into risk management: An efficient communication system operated by CAs enables FBOs and their trade organizations to remain updated on relevant food safety and quality information and allows information to flow back to CAs for standards development and information and data generation.
C.1.2.1	FBOs’ associations are acknowledged by and collaborate with CAs to serve their members with relevant food safety and quality information.	3
C.1.2.2	FBOs have access to information about and are engaged in the development of food control regulations and food standards, and have the possibility to provide feedback and channel complaints to CAs.	2
C.1.2.3	High-risk FBOs are provided with special communication channels ensuring that CAs’ messages are delivered to FBOs.	1
C.1.2.4	All FBOs, including micro-businesses, are properly informed, updated and provided with equal opportunities to properly understand and adopt recommended approaches and legislation requirements.	2
C.1.2.5	CAs inform FBOs on the results of monitoring and routine inspection reports to incentivize positive collaboration with government and enhance compliance.	2
C.1.3	Communication flows and involvement with consumers: The CAs implement an established internal policy for food safety risk communication to consumers based on openness, transparency, timeliness and responsiveness and its effectiveness is monitored.
C.1.3.1	The CAs have an established internal policy of disseminating information to consumers, including special needs groups, on the importance of food safety, including safe food handling practices and critical quality issues	2
C.1.3.2	Decisions and information about official food control are made available to consumers at all times and with particular attention during food safety crises	2
C.1.3.3	CAs make use of the different methods and means of communication for food safety issues supported by communication specialists	1
C.1.3.4	The CAs have a risk communication plan for crises (on food safety or fraud issues) to deliver relevant food safety messages to consumers	1
C.1.3.5	CAs provide a mechanism for consumers’ questions and complaints	3
C.2	INTERNATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS
C.2.1	Interactions among CAs at international level: CAs actively engage with their counterparts at international level and this supports agreements for export and import to occur.
C.2.1.1	The CAs support the development of bilateral or regional trading relationships with an open and pro-active communication approach on food safety and quality regulations, as well as on control measures and documentation requirements.	2
C.2.1.2	Trading partners have easy access to up-to-date information regarding food safety and quality requirements and controls.	2
C.2.1.3	Through the WTO, Member countries notify other countries of any new or changed food safety and quality requirement that affects trade.	3
C.2.1.4	CAs of importing and exporting countries have capacity to reach and maintain cooperative arrangements and agreements regarding control measures for specific categories of food products to allow trade.	2
C.2.2	Engagement of CAs into International Organizations: CAs are actively engaged in IOs to inform and benefit from international expertise.
C.2.2.1	The country is an active member of Codex and other relevant IOs with mandates in food safety and quality.	2
C.2.2.2	An inclusive, transparent and effective consultation mechanism is in place on Codex-related matters.	2
C.2.2.3	The country provides Codex and related scientific advice bodies with relevant scientific and technical information.	1
C.2.2.4	Codex standards and other guidance are appropriately used at national level.	2
	Total score	40
	Average score	1.9

The average score implies that

“The existing National Food Control System of Nepal has insufficient interaction with domestic and international stakeholders”

Read other parts

1. National Food Control System of Nepal: Part 1
2. National Food Control System of Nepal: Part 2
3. National Food Control System of Nepal: Part 3
4. National Food Control System of Nepal: Part 4

5. National Food Control System of Nepal: Final Part

Note: this is author’s personal opinion and you are free to agree or disagree with this evaluation. If there are mistakes or suggestions, please feel free to make positive comments and feedback.

References:

FAO and WHO. 2019. Food control system assessment tool: Introduction and glossary. Food safety and quality series No. 7/1. Rome.

FAO and WHO. 2019. Food control system assessment tool: Dimension A – Inputs and resources. Food safety and quality series No. 7/2. Rome.

FAO and WHO. 2019. Food control system assessment tool: Dimension B – Control Functions. Food safety and quality series No. 7/3. Rome.

FAO and WHO. 2019. Food control system assessment tool: Dimension C – Interactions with stakeholders. Food safety and quality series No. 7/4. Rome.