Food safety legislation in Rwanda: Implementation of food hygiene legislation by competent authorities to ensure safe food

This study explores the implementation of food safety legislation in Rwanda, focusing on the role of the responsible authorities. The research highlights key food hygiene laws, including relevant regulations and guidelines, and investigates the roles of various Rwandan institutions involved in food safety, such as the Rwanda Standard Board (RSB), Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (Rwanda FDA), and Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition, and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA). Additionally, it evaluates the collaboration between these institutions and their efforts to prevent overlap in their duties. Furthermore, the study reviews historical food safety laws in both developed and developing regions, noting how General Food Law (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002) has become the foundation for food safety in the European Union, the pivotal role of the Federal Food, Drugs, and Cosmetic Act in the United States, and the ongoing need for harmonization and enforcement of food laws within East African Community and across Africa more broadly. The study also documents implemented initiatives to improve food safety including the establishment of a revised Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system, to include foodborne outbreaks investigation, the creation of the African Food Safety Network (AFoSAN), and the launch of 3 centres of excellence for chemical contaminants in Africa in 2012. The thesis concludes by assessing the impact of the Rwanda FDA, comparing Rwanda FDA annual reports from 2019/20 to 2022/23 with the Rwanda FDA strategic plan for 2021- 2024. Notably, the Rwanda FDA exceeded its targets for food product registration and market authorization, achieving an 80% success rate, though it fell short by 8% in meeting its goals for food premises inspections and licensing. Improvement in these key areas is advised. This study recommends establishing an effective continental food safety monitoring system, starting with strengthening national and regional frameworks. Concurrently, it is essential to encourage research and publications on African food safety and regulatory impacts, with a focus on longitudinal studies and the evolution of key institutions.