Food Safety Control in Rwanda 2020 PDF

Situational analysis of the food safety control system in Rwanda: Animal-source foods, fruits and vegetables Martin Ntawubizi1, Anselme Shyaka1, Christine Mukantwali2, Eugène Niyonzima1, Jerome Ndahimana3 and Jean Baptiste Ndahetuye1 1 University of Rwanda, 2Rwanda Agri...

Situational analysis of the food safety control system in Rwanda: Animal-source foods, fruits and vegetables Martin Ntawubizi1, Anselme Shyaka1, Christine Mukantwali2, Eugène Niyonzima1, Jerome Ndahimana3 and Jean Baptiste Ndahetuye1 1 University of Rwanda, 2Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board, 3Rwanda Standards Board September 2020 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The study on the Rwanda Food Safety (FS) control systems has been carried out as a part of the Situational Analysis of Food Safety Control Systems in East Africa (including Ethiopia), using a structured guide from the ILRI team. This was endeavoured as a follow up to the food safety training workshop in Addis Ababa in July 2019, which was fully attended by the authors (Rwanda Team). We therefore would like to express our deep gratitude to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi and the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) for organizing the authors’ training and funding for and supporting the study. We would also take the opportunity to extend our respectful recognition to the Management of our respective employers: University of Rwanda (UR), Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), and Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) for having supported our FS training and allocating necessary resources to allow us carrying out the FS control system assessment in Rwanda. Specifically, our thankful message goes to ILRI team, led by Professor Erastus Kangethe, for the guidance and continuous support toward achievement of every single study objective. By this opportunity, we would like to recognize the generous support from all key informants and other resource persons for their precious time and information to support this study. This report was funded in part by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Safety under Cooperative Agreement No. 7200AA19LE00003. The contents are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the U.S. government. i Contents ACRONYMS............................................................................................................................................................ iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................................................... v 1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................ 1 2.0 METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................................................... 1 3.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS................................................................................................................................. 1 3.1 Regulation and control: Food control management....................................................................................... 1 3.2 Important food law changes in the past 10 years......................................................................................... 21 3.3 Food safety risk assessment in Rwanda........................................................................................................ 24 3.4 Policies and regulations................................................................................................................................. 24 3.5 Regulation and control: inspection............................................................................................................... 34 3.6 Regulation and control: private sector.......................................................................................................... 42 3.7 Regulation and control: civil society............................................................................................................. 42 3.8 Production and consumption levels.............................................................................................................. 43 3.9 Linkages between the formal, informal, and export food sectors............................................................... 46 3.10 Traceability schemes in operation.............................................................................................................. 47 3.11 Hazard and foodborne disease occurrence................................................................................................. 50 3.12 Food laboratories and disease reporting.................................................................................................... 52 4.0 CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................................................. 58 5.0 REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................... 60 ii ACRONYMS A4NH CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health ADECOR Association pour la défense des droits des consommateurs au Rwanda AGOA African Growth and Opportunity Act ARSO African Organisation for Standardisation ASF animal-source foods AU African Union AUC African Union Commission AU-IBAR African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources BRD Banque Rwandaise dé Developpement CAADP Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme CAC Codex Alimentarius Commission CAVM College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CGIAR Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research CHROR Consumer Human Rights Organization of Rwanda CHUB University Teaching Hospital of Butare CHUK University Teaching Hospital of Kigali CICA Agricultural Information and Communication Centre CMHS College of Medicine and Health Sciences COMESA Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa CPD continuous professional development EAC East African Community EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FBD foodborne disease FS food safety FSMS food safety management system FV fruits and vegetables GAP Good Agricultural Practices GFSP Global Food Safety Partnership GSP Generalized System of Preferences HACCP Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point IFPRI International Food Policy Research Institute IHR International Health Regulations ILRI International Livestock Research Institute INFOSAN International Food Safety Authorities Network IPPC International Plant Protection Convention ISO International Organization for Standardization MCC milk collection centre MINAGRI Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources MINALOC Ministry of Local Government MINEDUC Ministry of Education MINICOM Ministry of Trade and Industry MINIJUST Ministry of Justice MOH Ministry of Health NAEB National Agricultural Export Development Board NECDP National Early Childhood Development Program NEP National Enquiry Point NEPAD New Partnership for Africa’s Development NICA National Standards Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority NIRDA National Industrial Research and Development Agency NISR National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda iii NISR-AHS National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda Agricultural Household Survey NISR-CFSVA National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability and Nutrition Analysis Survey NPPS National Plant Protection Services NRL National Reference Laboratory OIE World Organisation for Animal Health PAEPARD European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development PIH Partners In Health PPP public–private partnerships PSF Private Sector Federation PSTA4 Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation 4 QMS quality management system RAB Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board RALIS Rwanda Agriculture and Livestock Inspection and Certification Services RBC Rwanda Biomedical Centre RCA Rwanda Cooperative Agency RFMA Rwanda Food and Medicine Authority RHCC Rwanda Health Communication Centre RIB Rwanda Investigation Bureau RICA Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority RICA Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture RNP Rwanda National Police RSB Rwanda Standards Board RW-CHM Rwanda Clearing House Mechanism RW-FDA Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority SOP standard operating procedure SDGs Sustainable Development Goals SPIU Single Project Implementation Unit SSA sub-Saharan Africa TADs transboundary animal diseases TBT Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement UGHE University of Global Health Equity UN-SDGs United Nations Sustainable Development Goals UR University of Rwanda WB World Bank WHO World Health Organization WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization WTO World Trade Organization WTO SPS World Trade Organization Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures WTO TBT World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Food safety is important for public health, food security, and economic development, and national governments have a role to play in ensuring available foods are fit for human consumption. The Rwanda Food Safety (FS) control system was reviewed (as part of a situational analysis study on food safety in East Africa). The review was done as a follow up to the food safety training workshop held in Addis Ababa in July 2019, and organized by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi and the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH). About six to seven participants from countries from East Africa (including Ethiopia) attended the workshops. After the workshop, workshop attendees in each country were expected to work together and provide a report that was reflective of the food safety situation in the country. Each team member had consent to participate in the review before initiation of data collection. A structured checklist, developed by ILRI, was used to guide the process, and included collecting data on food laws, regulations, policies and strategies, stakeholders’ involvement in food safety, and priority food safety issues as well as existing laboratories and their capacities. The findings were synthesized into a report (which is expected to be an update of a previous review). Overall, the Rwanda report provides the most recent information on: 1) the stakeholders in food safety, 2) policies or strategies and regulations in place, 3) food safety problems, and 4) priority areas for intervention, and forms a good basis for future planning on food safety, both at the country and regional levels. v 1.0 INTRODUCTION In 2010, the global burden of 31 food hazards was found to be 33 million DALYs (A.H. et al., 2015). Children under five years bore 40% of the burden. The study found foodborne diarrhoea infections, particularly non- typhoid Salmonella enterica, to be responsible for 230,000 deaths. The global burden of animal source foods (ASF) was 168 DALYS per 100,000 population (Li et al., 2019). Foodborne diseases in low- and middle-income countries cost about USD 110 billion a year with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounting for US $16.7 billion (Jaffee et al., 2019). Similarly to many countries within the East African Region, foodborne diseases are not uncommon in Rwanda. A recent report published by the World Health Organization (WHO)/Joint External Evaluation of International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities for the Republic of Rwanda (World Health Organization, 2018), has indicated that diarrheal diseases are among the top 10 causes of morbidity and mortality, and are the third most common cause of death in children under five years in the country. In the last five years, 83% of diarrheal disease was related to food and waterborne diseases (typhoid fever, shigellosis, non-bloody diarrhoea, cholera and food poisoning, and other emerging food and waterborne diseases). Food safety is important for public health, and trade in safe products can improve national economies. Increasing food trade by 2025 is one of the goals in the Malabo Declaration (AU, 2014), but achieving this is likely to be delayed if the seemingly high problem of food safety is not properly addressed. Unsafe food can also delay achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and negate what has previously being achieved. Ensuring food is safe is a key role of national governments. An effective national food control system protects the health and safety of domestic consumers and provides a sound regulatory foundation for domestic and international trade in food (FAO, 2003). Understanding the functionality of such a system would enable countries to develop policies and legislations that not only improve health but also spur development. It is against this background that the Rwanda food safety (FS) control system has been reviewed. In the review, the various components of the system were analysed and any gaps found were highlighted. The current review was part of the situational analyses of food safety control systems in East Africa and Ethiopia. The study follows from a situational analysis of food safety that was conducted in 2011 in eight countries in SSA, including three of the countries targeted by the proposed situational analysis. It is largely supported by the Food Safety Innovation Lab with contribution from CRP A4NH. Trends and progress in the country’s FS control system were assessed, and this was done as a follow up to the food safety training workshop in Addis Ababa in July 2019, organized by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi and the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH). The work was conducted from October 2019 to June 2020, pulling together available information with regard to the country food safety control system covering the last 10 years (2010–2020). 2.0 METHODOLOGY Local food safety expects in Rwanda (and those who had attended the 2019 training organized by ILRI) participated in the desk review. A structured checklist was used to guide the data collection exercise. The checklist was designed to collect data on food laws, regulations and policies, stakeholders’ involvement in food safety, priority food safety issues, existing laboratories, and their capacities. Online materials were sought and reviewed, and content found to be relevant was extracted and summarized into a report. A draft report was reviewed multiple times with the advanced one being reviewed by an expert knowledgeable of the country’s food safety situation. The aim was to provide a final draft that is reflective of the food safety landscape of the country. The team leader ensured everyone in the group had signed the informed consent form before initiation of data collection activities. Although a workshop had been planned to validate the review findings, this activity was not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions. 3.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 3.1 Regulation and control: Food control management An inventory of various food safety stakeholders, their affiliations, and their operational mechanisms have been given in the report. This information is limited to the last 10 years (2010–2020) and pertains to aspects of food safety roles within various food value chains and supply, regulation, inspection and licensing, sanction, surveillance, etc. Included is a list of stakeholders and the mechanisms they use to regulate, inspect, and disseminate information. Data are presented by category: government institutions/mechanisms (Table 1), private sector (Table 2), and regional and international organizations (Table 3). 1 Table 1. Rwanda Food Safety Stakeholders Analysis in June 2020 (Government Institutions) Stakeholder Ministry or other authority Where in the food chain Mechanisms The Republic of The Constitution of the Role: a. Regulation of state and rule of laws, recognition and supremacy of laws Rwanda Republic of Rwanda, The Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 2003 and treaties—Article 95: "The hierarchy of laws is as follows: 1° published and overseen by was revised in 2015, and passed by referendum on Constitution; 2° organic law; 3° international treaties and agreements the Office of the Premier December 18, 2015 (T. R. of Rwanda, 2015). ratified by Rwanda; 4° ordinary law; 5° orders Minister. b. Information for the general public (all actors) regarding laws and policies, State and rule of laws (community management) including those regulating food safety, quality control, and certification, are Quality control (pollution, public health, regularly published by the Office of the Premier Minister through the hazardous substances) Official Gazette and other government publications Certification (assuring property rights, etc.) (https://www.primature.gov.rw/index.php?id=63). The Parliament of Rwanda The Parliament of Rwanda is bicameral. It consists of a. Regulation of all food laws, regulations, international treaties, and two chambers: the Senate and the Chamber of agreements are scrutinized and passed by the Parliament. Food safety Deputies. The main functions and powers of both the implementing authorities draw their power from the Parliament of chambers include representing the population, passing Rwanda. legislation, and scrutinizing and overseeing executive b. Surveillance of food legislation implementation (overseeing the execution action. of scrutinized and passed laws, including those specific to food safety). The Senate, in particular, supervises the application of c. Other: the Parliament represents the general public, producers, the fundamental principles referred to in Articles 10 processors, transporters, consumers, etc. and the provisions of articles 56 and 57 of the (https://www.gov.rw/government/legislature/senate) Constitution. Expected levels of involvement in food legislation: 1. Production 2. Harvesting/collection 3. Storage/post-harvest management 4. Processing 5. Transportation 6. Import/export 7. Food safety and quality control 8. Certification Ministry of The Republic of Rwanda The Ministry of Agriculture an Animal Resources is the a. Regulation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), agricultural technology Agriculture and highest policy-making organ, regulating, developing, upgrading and skills development (including ICT) through the ICT for Animal and managing suitable programs of transformation Rwanda Agriculture (ICT4RAg) Strategy, meeting quality and safety Resources and modernization of agriculture and livestock to standards in food markets, regulation of plant pests (Ministry of (MINAGRI) ensure food and nutrition security and to contribute to Agriculture, 2018; Republic of Rwanda, 2016 and Republic of Rwanda, the national economy. 2016b), regulation of plant pests and import of plant material (https://www.minagri.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/webstore/List_of_re 2  The MINAGRI plan of action focuses on four priority gulated_plant_pests_in_Rwanda.pdf), regulation of prohibited pesticides programs: (https://www.minagri.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/ALICS/lis 1. Agriculture and Animal Resource Intensification, t_of_restricted_chemicals.pdf), etc. 2. Research, Technology Transfer and b. Surveillance of plant pest/disease monitoring, quality of agricultural and Professionalization of Farmers, livestock products for export, management of trade issues related to 3. Value Chain Development and Private Sector animal or plant health in order to meet the IPPC and WTO-SPS agreements. Investment, and RALIS is also vested with the mission to conduct plant pest diagnosis and 4. Institutional Development and Agricultural Cross- pest risk analysis. MINAGRI also does surveillance on post-harvest Cutting Issues. management and practices through its Post-Harvest Handling and Storage Task Force (https://www.minagri.gov.rw/index.php?id=571). Expected food value chain levels of involvement c. MINAGRI disseminates valuable packages of information to producers include the safety of animal source foods, fruits and (including legumes, fruits, and animal source foods), investors, processors, vegetables, and staples. This is accomplished by means and consumers through the very popular and accessible African Services of public investments, regulation, and promotion of and Digital Inclusion in Africa Application Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), including: (https://digital.apps.fao.org/home). The provided information is customized to local laws and regulations and varies from weather and Production crop calendars, control of animal diseases and epidemics, optimization of Harvesting/collection livestock feeding, agri-marketplaces (e.g., market mapping), e-nutrifood for Storage/post-harvest management commodities including bananas, tomatoes, and milk (e.g., general Processing information and GAPs with regard to harvesting, processing, packaging and Transportation transportation for bananas and tomatoes; or milking, storage, chilling Import/export point, processing, pooling, collection point and transportation, etc. Food safety and quality control (https://digital.apps.fao.org/e-nutrifood/subject/milk. Certification General information to stakeholders (including consumers) is regularly published through its popular web page (https://www.minagri.gov.rw/index.php?id=748) as well as radio and TV shows (Rwanda Broadcasting Agency [RBA]). Information sharing is also assured through MINAGRI’s communication platform, Agricultural Information and Communication Centre, or CICA (https://www.minagri.gov.rw/index.php?id=574). d. Other institutional and legal support/advocacy to government and key donors. MINAGRI is a policy-making and powerful lobbying presence in Rwanda with regard to food quality and safety (policies, laws, and agreements). The Ministry also remains a partner of choice for mobilization of resources and advocacy for investment. Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Role: RALIS is a department of MINAGRI, aiming to a. Inspection of plants and/or plant material health, quality of animal Agriculture and Animal Resources enhance safe trade by limiting the introduction and products for trade, import of animal pets, and animal products. MINAGRI- Livestock (MINAGRI) the spread of new pests and to improve the quality of RALIS also conducts licensing of plants and animal products for Inspection and agricultural and livestock products for export. In trade/exports). 3 Certification addition, RALIS manages trade issues related to animal Services (RALIS) or plant health in order to meet the International Plant “This department is responsible of the overall coordination of all the functions Protection Convention (IPPC) and World Trade that the National Plant Protection Services (NPPS) is supposed to fulfil, such as Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures the enforcement of the Rwanda plant health law and regulations for (WTO SPS) agreements. phytosanitary measures necessary for trade, plant pest/disease monitoring, surveillance and diagnosis, conducting pest risk analysis, and conduct inspection Expected levels of involvement in the food value chain: and certification. It also delivers animal products certification services including Production (monitoring IPPC, WTO SPS) enforcement of sanitary laws, monitoring and surveillance of animal diseases, Import/export (monitoring IPPC, WTO SPS) and animal inspection and certification. In addition to this, it contributes to the Food safety and quality control (plant preparation and the implementation of agrochemical law” (RALIS: pest/disease monitoring, surveillance and https://www.minagri.gov.rw/index.php?id=613). diagnosis, pest risk analysis, and inspection) b. Sanctions are directed to agrochemical dealers for noncompliance to Certification (plant and animal products regulations for phytosanitary measures and agrochemical law. certification) c. Surveillance of plant pest/disease monitoring, quality of agricultural and livestock products for export, management of trade issues related to animal or plant health in order to meet the IPPC and WTO-SPS agreements. RALIS is also vested with the mission to conduct plant pest diagnosis and pest risk analysis. d. RALIS serves as the Rwanda inquiry point to disseminate information to stakeholders and the general public for all matters related to World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (WTO SPS) agreement (M. of T. and I. The Republic of Rwanda, 2010b). e. Other: RALIS delivers animal products certification services, including enforcement of sanitary laws, monitoring and surveillance of animal diseases, animal inspection, and certification. RALIS serves as the country focal point to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC): Beatrice Uwumukiza E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] MINAGRI, PO BOX 621 Kigali-RWANDA (https://www.ippc.int/en/countries/rwanda/). Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Role: RAB was Established by Law N°14/2017 of a. Contributes to establishing, publicizing, and enforcing laws and regulations Agriculture and Animal Resources 14/04/2017 (O. G. Republic of Rwanda, 2017a). The governing agriculture, animal husbandry, research, and related products. Animal (MINAGRI) institution falls in the category of non-commercial RAB works closely with the local administration (districts) for effective law Resources public institutions. enforcement. Board (RAB) Specifically, with regard to food safety, 1) RAB b. Inspection of imports of domestic animals, semen, fertilized eggs, seeds, contributes to the development and implementation plants and cuttings, and other agricultural and animal husbandry products. of the national policy, laws, and strategies in RAB also ensures and monitors activities of production, control, and trade 4  agriculture and animal resources; 2) searches, collects, of selected seeds as well as licensing of agricultural and animal husbandry provides, and disseminates to farmers information, products meant for export, standards of veterinary and crop protection services, and other agricultural and animal resources products, and their import and export. extension activities that increase the quantity and c. Surveillance of animal diseases and implementation of appropriate quality of productivity required on the market and by strategies meant for ensuring control, prevention, diagnosis and treatment industries; 3) establishes mechanisms to support of animal diseases; Prevention and control of plant diseases, insects and farmers to preserve and add value to the productivity; pests and implementation of appropriate strategies meant for ensuring 4) conducts research on animal/plant diseases and control and prevention of plant diseases. pests that attack field and stored crops, puts in place d. Extension services offered by RAB through its 13 stations benefit and implements appropriate control measures to associations and cooperatives of producers, agrochemical dealers prevent and control them; 5) prevents, inspects, (specialized in import and distribution of agricultural inputs/chemicals, investigates and monitors the movement of animals including pesticides), Processors (Including those involved in post-harvest and animal products that are not processed by management), traders of agricultural and animal sources products. industries in order to prevent the introduction and e. Information is disseminated to associations and cooperatives of spread of animal diseases. agricultural producers and agro-chemical and agro-inputs dealers through an innovative “SMART NKUNGANIRE SYSTEM” Expected levels of involvement in the food value chain: (https://smartnkunganire.rw/). Also, a large information package is Production channelled to traders of animals and animal products. Harvesting/collection (https://arpms.rab.gov.rw/). Storage/post-harvest management Processing f. Other: Food safety and quality control RAB is the Country Partner to the World Organization for Animal Health Certification (OIE): Rwanda Delegate: Dr Fabrice Ndayisenga Head of Department Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board - RAB Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources P.O. Box 5016, Kigali, RWANDA. National Ministry of Agriculture and Role: NAEB advises on and implements policy and strategies for developing Agricultural Animal Resources Established by the law No 13/2017 of 14/04/2017 as a exports of agricultural and livestock products meeting international market Export (MINAGRI) commercial public institution (O. G. Republic of requirements. The institution has a “say” in facilitating negotiations for Development Rwanda, 2017b). NAEB has the following key roles: 1) setting and publishing minimum farm gate prices for agricultural and Board (NAEB) to advise on the development of/implementing policy livestock export commodities in collaboration with stakeholders. and strategies for developing exports of agricultural a. Participate in the setting and checking of quality standards for agriculture and livestock products meeting international market and livestock export commodities in collaboration with other relevant requirements; 2) to work with stakeholders’ networks institutions. Additionally, the institution handles licensing (certificates of and coordinate their activities in relation to the authenticity and origin of agricultural and livestock export commodities). processing and export of agricultural and livestock Also, NAEB is in charge of identifying places for installation of factories and products; 3) to provide timely and cost-effective 5  support services required for enhanced international other activities (premises) meant for processing agricultural and livestock competitiveness of the private sector in agricultural products for export (NAEB Quality Policy, n.d.). and livestock exports; 4) to identify places for b. NAEB works with stakeholders’ networks and coordinates their activities in installation of factories and other activities meant for relation to the processing and export of agricultural and processing agricultural and livestock products for livestock products. It puts in place strategies designed to provide support export; 5) to participate in the setting and checking of and train private operators and cooperatives involved in export of quality standards for agriculture and livestock export agricultural and livestock products. commodities in collaboration with other relevant c. Information is disseminated to producers and traders (accessible to the institutions; and 6) to issue certificates of authenticity general public as well) and is provided in regard to quality control and origin of agricultural and livestock export procedures through its Trade Information Portal commodities. (https://naeb.gov.rw/index.php?id=289) and Rwanda Trade Portal (https://rwandatrade.rw/EmbedSearch?l=en&embed=true&includeSearch Expected levels of involvement in the food value chain: =true). Import/export Food safety and quality control, d. Other: Certification Public Investment: NAEB contributes to investments aimed at increasing production, industries, and infrastructure for adding value to agricultural and livestock products for export. Advocacy: establishing relations and cooperation with regional and international organizations with the aim of improving operations and collaboration with regards to exports of agricultural and livestock products. Ministry of The Republic of Rwanda Role: a. Regulation of food supplements (Republic of Rwanda, 2010), social and Health (MOH) The mission of the Ministry of Health is to provide and behavior change, nutrition and hygiene (National Early Childhood continually improve affordable promotive, preventive, Development Program [NECDP] & RBC, 2018), food and nutrition (Republic curative, and rehabilitative healthcare services of the of Rwanda, 2014). highest quality, thereby contributing to the reduction b. Key information can be disseminated through the MOH Information of poverty and enhancing the general well-being of the webpages (https://www.moh.gov.rw/index.php?id=390) and research population. database. The nature of information would include legal frameworks, policies, strategies plans, reports, health data, key health indicators, Expected levels of involvement in the food value chain: guidelines and protocols, research publications, etc. Food safety and quality control (hygiene, c. Other institutional and legal support/advocacy to government and key foodborne disease prevention, diagnosis, control, donors: information gathering, foodborne outbreak, food MOH is a strategic stakeholder for the food safety agenda by controlling recall, etc.). more than 1,311 health facilities across Rwanda (2016 database) (https://www.moh.gov.rw/index.php?id=551). This includes eight National Referral Hospitals (NRH), four Provincial Hospitals, 36 District Hospitals, and 126 Private Clinics and polyclinics. In addition, the MOH has a close “say” on two University Teaching Hospitals (CHUK in Kigali and CHUB in the Southern Province). 6 Rwanda Food Ministry of Health (MOH) Role: a. With regards to food safety, the institution regulates human and veterinary and Drugs Rwanda FDA is a non-commercial public institution, drugs, processed food for humans and animals, food supplements and Authority (RW- established by the Law Nº 003/2018 of 09/02/2018 (O. fortified foods, and poisonous substances. It is also vested with the FDA) G. Republic of Rwanda, 2018b). authority to regulate compliance with quality standards for the With regard to food safety, FDA has the mission to: 1) manufacture, export, storage, sale, distribution, use, and export of regulate human and veterinary processed foods and products regulated by this Law. other biological products used in clinical and drug food b. Inspection of imported and exported food and beverages, veterinary drugs supplements, food fortificants, fortified foods, and products, household chemicals, and medical and diagnosis devices. poisonous substances, management of unfit food FDA also inspects food and drugs at ports of entry and licensing (premises products, and clinical trials on pharmaceutical used in the manufacture of products regulated by this Law (industry and products for human and veterinary use; 2) regulate outlets). Additionally, FDA licenses labels, packages, and raw materials compliance with quality standards relating to the used in the manufacture of products regulated by the law, as well as manufacture, storage, sale, distribution, use, import laboratory and cleaning chemicals and pesticides. and export, labelling, packaging, and raw materials c. Sanction abilities include the following: used in the manufacture of products regulated under 1) FDA has the power to grant or withdraw authorization relating to this Law; 3) regulate laboratory and cleaning chemicals matters regulated under the Law Nº 003/2018 of 09/02/2018 (Republic of and pesticides as well as premises involved in the Rwanda, 2018); 2) Seize and confiscate any product regulated under this manufacture of products regulated under this Law; 4) Law not conforming to the provisions of this Law; 3) Impose administrative establish, approve, and publish the list of human and sanctions arising from breach of the provisions of this Law. veterinary food regulated under this Law for which d. Surveillance of processed food, food supplements, and fortified food to marketing authorization has been granted; 5) establish meet the prescribed quality standards before they are placed on the the quality assurance and quality control of products market. regulated under this Law through designated quality e. Establish, approve, and publish the list of human and veterinary food and control laboratories when necessary. pharmaceutical products as well as other products regulated under this Law for which marketing authorization has been granted; Expected levels of involvement in the food value chain: establish and publish the list of prohibited cosmetics; Storage/post-harvest management disseminate information on quality and safety of products regulated under Processing this Law to health professionals and to other concerned persons. Transportation f. Other Import/export FDA possesses a quality control laboratory that analyzes human and Food safety and quality control veterinary medicine, medical and diagnostic devices, and food products), Certification etc. Rwanda Ministry of Health (MOH) Role: a. Surveillance of activities in the field of disease prevention, treatment, and Biomedical RBC was established by the Law N° 54/2010 of research. Centre (RBC) 25/01/2011 (O. G. Republic of Rwanda, 2011), later b. The RBC’s Rwanda Health Communication Centre (RHCC) is coordinating modified and complemented by the Law N° 48/2012 of health promotion interventions and handling media and public relations 14/01/2013 (O. G. Republic of Rwanda, 2013b). within the health sector (call centre: 114). E.g., in 2018–2019 the call It has a main mission to promote high-quality, centre received over 116,000 calls on various health topics, and over 10 affordable, and sustainable health care services to the million people were reached with messages on disease prevention through various media channels. 7  population through evidence-based interventions and RHCC manages and organizes media and public relations to facilitate access practices guided by ethics and professionalism. to information in order to inform the public on activities and news in the health sector. RHCC is also the Chair of the National Health Promotion, Expected levels of involvement in the food value chain: Social Determinant of Environmental Health Technical Working Group Food safety and quality control (National (https://rbc.gov.rw/index.php?id=679). Reference Laboratory [NRL]) c. Other RBC is established as a country leader in Biomedical Laboratory activities through its National Reference Laboratory (NRL). Ministry of The Republic of Rwanda Role: a. Regulation of standards (of 28/06/2013), industrial innovation, and Trade and MINICOM has a core mission to facilitate Rwanda’s processing (Law N° 50/2013 and Law N° 51/2013 of 28/06/2013) (Republic Industry economic transformation through enabling a of Rwanda, 2013); regulation of trade, competition, and consumer (MINICOM) competitive private sector integrated into regional and protection (Law N° 36/2012 of 21/09/2012) (Republic of Rwanda, 2012). global markets, while ensuring a level playing field and MINICOM is the Rwanda custodian of trade treaties and conventions. It the protection of consumers. championed the ratification of the International Sale of Goods adopted in Vienna in 1980, through Law N° 68/2013 of 30/08/2013 (Republic of Expected levels of involvement in the food value chain: Rwanda, 2013), as well as the regulation of private certification products Storage/post-harvest management and Systems (Law N°17/2012 of 10/07/2012) (Republic of Rwanda, 2012). Processing Additionally, MINICOM regulates strategies for cross-border trade (M. of Transportation T. and I. The Republic of Rwanda, 2012) and intellectual property (Republic Import/export of Rwanda, 2017). Food safety and quality control (recall system) b. Other Certification (regulation of private certification). Institutional and legal support/advocacy for government and key donors. Government partner of key local and international organizations involved in trade regulation, e.g., Banque Rwandaise dé Developpement (BRD), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), EAC, COMESA, WTO, WIPO, Word Bank, EU, etc. Rwanda Ministry of Trade and Role: a. Regulation of standards, products, national standards, and conformity Standards Board Industry (MINICOM) RSB was established by the Law N° 50/2013 of assessment (RSB) 28/06/2013 (O. G. Republic of Rwanda, 2013a), with a b. Inspection of products and services and licensing of products and quality mission to 1) establish and publish national standards; service (RSB is an ISO 9001 Certified Body) 2) to disseminate information on standards, technical c. Surveillance of standardization at national, regional, and international regulations relating to standards, and conformity levels assessment; 3) to raise awareness and promote the d. Information dissemination to public on standards, technical regulations importance of standards and quality service as tools to relating to standards, and conformity assessment. improve market access, technology transfer, and The RSB has been designated as the World Trade Organization Technical sustainable development; 4) to provide products and Barriers to Trade (WTO/TBT) National Enquiry Point (NEP) to ensure that quality service certifications and monitor conformity manufacturers, importers, and exporters get the latest information on for issued certifications; 5) to act as a reference standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures laboratory in the quality domain. available in their target markets. 8  Expected levels of involvement in the food value chain: Detailed information on the following; Processing Online standards catalogue (www.portal.rsb.gov.rw) Food safety and quality control National Notifications sent to WTO Certification Foreign notification e. Other Operates standard and quality assessment laboratory (products, processes). RSB is the Country Partner to the Codex Alimentarius (CAC) of FAO/WHO. The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) is an ISO Member Body, with Technical Committee Participation (TC: 25) and Participatory Design Conference Participation (PDC: 3). RSB is the Country Partner and affiliate to Regional and International Standardization Bodies; e.g., African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), International Standardization Organization (ISO), Codex Alimentarius Commission, IEC, etc. Rwanda Ministry of Trade and RICA was established by the Law N° 31/2017 of a. Regulation of the quality management system in accordance with regional Inspectorate, Industry (MINICOM) 25/07/2017, which also determines or international standards. Competition its mission, organization, and functioning (O. G. b. Inspection of quality and standards conformity for the following: a) trade and Consumer Republic of Rwanda, 2017c). products, b) agrochemicals, c) unprocessed animal products, d) Protection RICA has legal personality and enjoys administrative unprocessed plants and plant products, e) food products. RICA also has the Authority (RICA) and financial autonomy. It is also responsibility to inspect the goods and products that are not inspected by managed in accordance with relevant laws, and it falls other organizations that include: a) agriculture tools and b) animal feeds. within the category of non-commercial public Also inspected are process and mode of production and delivery to institutions consumers of products. Additionally, RICA has the responsibility to It has the following main missions: consider, inspect, register, and issue licenses related to imports, exports, 1) To carry out inspection of quality and standards and goods in connection with food products, plant pharmaceutical conformity for the following trade products: products and agrochemicals, plants, semen, fertilized eggs, seeds, Agrochemicals seedlings, cuttings, animal food, other items, and processed agricultural, Unprocessed animal products animal, and forest products. Unprocessed plants and plant products c. Surveillance of process and mode of production and delivery to consumers Food products of products, ensuring that imported or exported products falling within the Process and mode of production and delivery to mission of RICA comply with prescribed quality standards and other laws. consumers of products referred to under item 1° d. Information dissemination: of this Article. To train and inform a trader and service provider about their rights 2) To establish a quality management system in and obligations under laws related to the mission of RICA. accordance with regional or international standards. To train and inform a consumer about his/her rights under laws related to the mission of RICA. 9  3) To ensure that the production of goods referred to e. Other under item 1° of this Article meant for public use or RICA is entitled to ensure the monitoring, knowledge, analysis, and consumption is conducted in accordance with publication of information on the effects of the use of products regulations in force. referred to under Item 10 of Article 6: Responsibilities of RICA. 4) To ensure that imported or exported products falling within the mission of RICA comply with prescribed quality standards and other laws. 5) To consider, inspect, register, and issue licenses related to imports, exports, and goods in connection with food products, plant pharmaceutical products and agrochemicals, plants, semen, fertilized eggs, seeds, seedlings, cuttings, animal food, other items, and processed agricultural, animal, and forest products. RICA also has the power to: 1) Seize suspicious products to verify their compliance with standards. 2) Establish and issue directives related to the mission of RICA. 3) Impose administrative sanctions for breach of laws related to the mission of RICA. National Ministry of Trade and Role: a. Regulation of patenting of inventions (intellectual property) and traditional Industrial Industry (MINICOM) NIRDA was established by the Law N° 51/2013 of knowledge related to trade of research products. Research and 28/06/2013 (O. G. Republic of Rwanda, 2013a). b. Information dissemination on good manufacturing practices, quality Development Importantly, it has a mission to: 1) implement the management systems, and other ISO, such as ISO 22000 on food safety. Agency (NIRDA) national industrial development policy, patent Such information is communicated to food processors to ensure that they inventions and traditional knowledge in relation to are capacitated to achieve these practices in their processes, therefore industrial development, and promote the trade of rendering products more competitive on local and international markets. research products and 2) carry out industrial and c. Other technology development research through the Building the capacity of small and medium enterprises by providing establishment of technology incubation centres and prototype development, reverse engineering, manufacturing facilities, and pilot plants and rural industrialisation. business incubation. Expected levels of involvement in the food value chain: Production Harvesting/collection Storage/post-harvest management Processing Standardization procedures (certification process) 10  Intellectual property (copyrights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks, industrial designs, geographical indications) Rwanda Republic of Rwanda Role: a. Organization and administration of cooperative organizations including the Cooperative RCA was established by Law N° 16/2008 of 11/06/2008 national cooperative unions, federations, and confederations. Agency (RCA) (O. G. Republic of Rwanda, 2013d), falling in the b. RCA implements government policies and supervises all matters relating to category of regulatory public institutions. RCA has a cooperative organizations, registration, regulation, and standards. mission to implement government policy in matters c. RCA sets standards and formulates professional ethics for prudent relating to management of cooperative organizations. cooperative organizations, registration, and regulating d. RCA is assisting cooperative organizations in their capacity building through and supervising cooperative organizations including training and seminars for its members and managers; promoting business the national cooperative unions, federations, and entrepreneurship in the cooperative organizations sector. confederations. Expected levels of involvement: Production (promoting public-private investment, capacity building, and information packages) Harvesting/collection (promoting public-private Investment, capacity building, and information packages) Storage/post-harvest management (promoting public-private investment, capacity building, and information packages) Processing (promoting public-private investment, capacity building and information packages) Distribution, import/export, etc. Rwanda Rwanda Environment Role: a. Inspection of transboundary movement, transit, handling, and use of all Clearing House Management Agency With regard to the Convention of Biodiversity (CBD- living modified organisms that may have adverse effects on the direct use Mechanism (REMA)/Ministry of Cartagena Protocol), the Clearing-House Mechanism as food or feed or for processing, taking into account risks to human (RW-CHM) Environment and (CHM) constitutes a monitoring network that makes a health. Biodiversity final decision on the domestic use, including placing on b. SRW-CHM monitors the implementation of its obligations under the the market, of a genetically modified organism (GMO) Cartagena Protocol (Art. 33), overseeing the risk assessment and risk that may be subject to transboundary movement for management as part of a decision made in regard to a declared direct use as food or feed or for processing transboundary movement of a GMO (Art. 10, 11, 15 and 16 of the CBD- (https://www.informea.org/en/treaties/cartagena- Cartagena Protocol). protocol/text?tag=5989). a. RW-CHM is obligated to share information to partner CHMs on any For Rwanda, the RW-CHM has been established since decision taken pertaining to the movement of GMOs in food value 11 September 2003 and is functional, hosted in REMA chain/processing (including other related bioconservation matters). (Republic of Rwanda, 2014). 11  Expected levels of involvement; Import/Export (Monitoring entry of GMO intended for direct use as food or feed, or for processing); Food safety and quality control (Risk assessment, Risk management, Recall system, etc.). Rwanda Republic of Rwanda Role: a. Inspection of trans-boundary movement of food products and persons. Directorate Create a secure, enabling environment for increased b. Information sharing with relevant organizations/institutions involved in General of trade, investments, tourism, and skills development food export/import, food safety, and quality control. Immigration and through professional conduct and offering high-quality Emigration service. The Directorate controls the national official borders and trans-boundary movement of goods and persons (Law N° 04/2011 of 21/03/2011 on immigration and emigration in Rwanda; Presidential Order N° 70/01 of 03/12/2013 establishing Border Posts). More details can be found in Republic of Rwanda (2011), Republic of Rwanda (2013), and O. G. Republic of Rwanda (2018a). Expected levels of involvement; Import/export Food safety and quality control (risk assessment, risk management, recall system, etc.). Rwanda The Republic of Rwanda Role: a. Inspection of practices, processes, products, and premises, in accordance National Police The Rwanda National Police (RNP) was established by with local and international laws. (RNP) the Law N°46/2010 OF 14/12/2010 (O. G. Republic of b. RNP operates a forensic laboratory with expertise in toxicology. Rwanda, 2010a). c. Sanction of noncompliance with laws in vigour, across various levels of The Rwanda National Police have jurisdiction over the food value chains. Closely works with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau entire national territory, with the following main (RIB) and the Office of the General Prosecutor for cases of noncompliance duties (with regard to food safety): 1) safeguarding the that constitute crimes, according to the law. fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution d. Information sharing with relevant organizations/institutions involved in and other laws; 2) maintaining safety and security of food export/import, food safety, and quality control; people and property. public awareness in regard to food safety issues. RNP would intervene on all levels of food value chain and food safety, in collaboration with other relevant organizations/institution, as long as the two main principles apply. University of Ministry of Education Role: a. With regard to food safety (FS), the following UR entities (colleges) build Rwanda (UR) (MINEDUC) capacity through the development of academic programs (both 12 The University of Rwanda (UR) was established by the undergraduate and postgraduate) and continuous professional Government of Rwanda through the law N° 71/2013 of development (CPD) courses: 10/09/2013 (O. G. Republic of Rwanda, 2013d). College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine UR is an important partner to food safety (CAVM); School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM); School of Agriculture advancement through education, research and and Food Science and Technology (SAFST) research uptake, extension and community outreach, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS): School of Public and public investment through public–private Health partnerships (PPP). b. UR possesses a number of laboratories, including a food technology lab, microbiology labs, and veterinary lab, capable of handling food poisoning Expected levels of involvement in the food value chain: and toxicology tests, etc. Production (education, research, public c. The UR is a multi-campus institution offering a wide range of research and investment, extension services) extension services to surrounding stakeholders (farmers, local Harvesting/collection (education, research, administration, private sector federation [PSF]) extension) at different locations across the country. Storage/post-harvest management d. Information dissemination Processing UR has the capacity to publish peer-reviewed scientific publications Food safety and quality control through the Rwanda Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences (RJMHS) (https://rjmhs.ur.ac.rw/). RJMHS is a biannual peer-reviewed journal that publishes topics of special interest and those that have relevance in various health- related fields, including, but not limited to, original research, review articles, short communications, letters to the editor, personal views, lessons from the field, editorials, and case reports. The journal may publish supplements of conference proceedings or special editions. UR possesses the Radio Salus (http://salus.ur.ac.rw/), a powerful information dissemination channel, by FM (97.00 and 101.90 MHz) and live online through My Tuner (https://mytuner- radio.com/radio/radio-salus-432266/), Facebook, YouTube, etc. The radio is very reliable and locally trustful media, able to cover the whole country’s territory. On several occasions, Radio Salus has reported events pertaining to One Health (initiated by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health), as well as other UR campaigns on various topics. e. Other: Research and research uptake services/partnerships. 13 Table 2. Rwanda Food Safety Stakeholders Analysis in June 2020 (Private Sector Operators) Name of the Ministry or other authority Where in the food chain Mechanisms stakeholder University of Partners in Health (PIH), Role: a. Training: Global Health The UGHE was registered in August 2014 as a Private UGHE has created a curricular platform specifically designed to take on the Equity (UGHE) Private Sector Federation University—Rwanda University of Global Health Equity complex, multi-dimensional challenges of equitable care. All courses are (PSF) (103380232)—owned by the Partners in Health (PIH), embedded within a One Health perspective, which recognizes the with the mission to train the next generation of interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. With a Rwandan and international leaders in biosocial focus on both One Health and biosocial principles, UGHE breaks down the approaches to health care delivery, and create a global traditional boundaries between academic disciplines, fostering inter- intellectual hub for delivery of science through professional teaching and learning. education, research, clinical care, and implementation. Academics and research are being delivered through three main programs: Bachelor of Medicine Expected levels of involvement: Food safety and Bachelor of Surgery quality control (education, research, publication, Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MBBS/MGHD) resource mobilization, etc.) b. Information on food safety and other health/community topics can be spread at a relatively wide coverage through the UGHE popular online blog (https://ughe.org/category/blog/). UGHE also publishes a monthly newsletter (https://ughe.org/category/news/) with high-quality reports and editorials on various health issues/events. The channel would prove to be a significant communication tool to be leveraged to reach a varied audience: general public, scientists, donors, government officials, etc. c. Other Powerful lobbying instrument for information dissemination, publication, and resources mobilisation, UGHE works closely with the Cummings Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as the Government of Rwanda. The vast network would be leveraged to support/promote food safety in the country (Education, research, information dissemination, funding, etc.). Rwanda The Howard G. Buffett Role: RICA is a private institute (higher learning a. Training: Institute for Foundation, institution) of Conservation Agriculture and One RICA curriculum emphasizes Conservation Agriculture and One Health Conservation Health, with an objective to seed innovations in principles, teaching students farming, mechanization, and irrigation Agriculture Private Sector Federation agriculture that empower smallholder development techniques that improve agriculture productivity. (RICA) (PSF) and agribusiness to maximize the potential for food RICA students earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation produced by Rwandans for Rwandans Agriculture in a three-year, internationally recognized program through (https://www.rica.rw/about/). five clusters: Poultry and swine Expected levels of involvement: Row and forage crops Vegetable and tree crops 14  Production (education, research, private Irrigation and mechanization investment, extension services, etc.) Dairy science Harvesting/collection (education, research, private investment, extension services, etc.) RICA offers gracious extension services to the NASHO Irrigation Storage/post-harvest management Cooperative (NAICO) of smallholder farmers in the Eastern Province. RICA, Processing in partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and the Government Food safety and quality control (education, of Rwanda, works with 2,000 smallholder farming families to support the extension) increased production of 1,173 hectares (2,899 acres) in the drought-prone region. Currently, there is a 63-center pivot irrigation systems, each providing irrigation for as many as 96 smallholder farms, with most averaging 40 smallholder farms. b. Other RICA represents a potential lobbying and resource mobilization hub, where key partners may be contacted to promote food safety: The Government of Rwanda Howard G. Buffett Foundation University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), etc. Farmers’ Rwanda Private Sector Role: The Private Sector Federation – Rwanda (PSF) is a a. Other (Development and Advocacy) Cooperatives, Federation (PSF) professional organization, established in December PSF is a member-based organization that has established business Producers, 1999. It is an umbrella organization that groups 10 development services (BDS) centres in all 30 Districts of Rwanda to Processors, professional chambers. promote training and development as well as advocacy to members. Distributers- Transporters, Expected levels of involvement: Import/Export Production (private investment) Companies, Harvesting/collection Consumers, etc. Storage/post-harvest management Processing Distribution, import/export Consumption 15 Table 3. Rwanda Food Safety Stakeholders Analysis in June 2020 (Regional and International Organizations) Name of the Ministry or other Where in the food chain Mechanisms stakeholder authority The African Union African Union (AU) Role: The African Union (AU) is a continental body a. Other: Commission (AUC) consisting of the 55 member states (including Rwanda) Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilization Partner: Linkage to United that make up the countries of the African Continent. It The priority areas of the AU Agenda 63 links the Member Countries with the Nations (UN) was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both partially Sustainable Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). The AU addressing food safety issues: Development Goals Agenda 63, having key linkages with the UN DDGS, Priority 1 (AU Agenda 63: A high standard of living, quality of life and (SDGs)