Evaluation of National Food Control System of Nepal: FINAL PART

In the previous posts, we had evaluated the National Food Control System of Nepal using the tool developed by FAO/WHO. The evaluation was 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?

To read those evaluations in details, please click the links below:

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

We had used the following qualitative scoring scale during evaluation: (1 = Absent, 2 = Insufficient, 3 = Basic requirements exist, 4 = All requirements exist, 5 = Exceeds the requirement)

In this post we will compile the average scores within a sub-category and demonstrate them in the graphical format.

1. Evaluation of different parameters of Dimension A
The radar graph below is the evaluation of food control system of Nepal using the parameters of Dimension A of the FAO/WHO tool. The Dimension A of the evaluation focuses on mapping the fundamental elements required for the system. Basically, it focuses on legal and policy instruments, institutional frameworks, financial aspects, equipment, infrastructure and human resources etc.

(for details National Food Control System of Nepal: Part 1)

We can see that the qualification of personnel and analytical resources are close to basic requirements, while the other parameters of the dimension A are insufficient. With limited input and resources, we cannot expect an efficient and fully functional food control system in Nepal.

2. Evaluation of different parameters of Dimension B
The radar graph below is the evaluation of food control system of Nepal using the parameters of Dimension B of the FAO/WHO tool. Dimension B includes control functions to ensure food safety along the food chain, managing food safety hazards, emerging risks, food emergencies, monitoring and surveillance functions etc. 

(for details National Food Control System of Nepal: Part 2)

The graph shows that all the control functions currently being applied are insufficient compared to the WHO/FAO tool requirements. This could partly be linked with the limited input and resources being provided to the national food control system.

3. Evaluation of different parameters of Dimension C
The radar graph below is the evaluation of food control system of Nepal using the parameters of Dimension C of the FAO/WHO tool. Dimension C evaluates the interactions with national and international stakeholders to have confidence and to keep them well informed about their responsibilities.

(for details National Food Control System of Nepal: Part 3)

Nepal has some interaction at the international level due to participation in Codex meetings, INFOSAN etc. The level of interaction is limited to the participation rather than the active engagement. Nevertheless, we should appreciate the fact that level of engagement is slowly picking up. On the other hand, the risk communication mechanism based on the risk analysis is also limited at this moment.

4. Evaluation of different parameters of Dimension D
The radar graph below is the evaluation of food control system of Nepal using the parameters of Dimension D of the FAO/WHO tool. Dimension D evaluates the adoption of science based, risk analysis approach in the food control system. In addition, it also evaluates the provisions for the possibility of continuous improvements in the system.

(for details National Food Control System of Nepal: Part 4)

Nepal seems to be very weak in this evaluation. This is partly due to the fact that our legislation is very old and does not incorporate the Risk Analysis approach. We are hopeful that the new legislation will fix this issue. However, it will be incorrect to blame only the current legislation. The current legislation does not incorporate the Risk analysis approach; however it does not mean it hinders to apply it. Therefore, Nepal should start working to strengthen this dimension even before the new legislation will be enacted.

In general, we can conclude that the current National Food Control System needs proper upgrading in different dimensions as guided by FAO/WHO. This is a kind of gap analysis to evaluate the strength and weakness of the system. Identifying the weakness provides guidance for the improvement, and identifying the strength helps to overcome the future threats and challenges. Government has recently incorporated the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concept in the current policy, challenging the single Food Safety Authority concept described in the Food Safety Policy 2076 and Agricultural Development Strategy. If the current food control system of Nepal is not strengthened properly to deliver the required output, the government can make a decision to move with FDA concept. It’s a high time for all the experts and food professionals (both nationals and internationals) to provide suggestions and guidance for the proper strengthening of the current Food Control System of Nepal.

By writing these posts, I am not trying to prove that I am expert in this field. These are my preliminary opinions and views for the review by the experts and senior food safety professionals in this field. I hope to get feedback for the corrections and suggestions.

Thanks for reading a very long post.

For details, please read:

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