Sri Lanka has achieved a significant advancement in enhancing its national food control framework with the introduction of its inaugural National Food Safety Policy. This initiative aims to provide a thorough structure to protect public health, fortify food systems, and foster economic development through a unified, risk-oriented strategy to food safety.
Crafted under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media via the Food Control Administration Unit (FCAU), this policy articulates a national vision dedicated to ensuring safe, nutritious, and high-quality food for the populace. It emphasizes improved collaboration among institutions tasked with overseeing food safety throughout the entire food supply chain, from production to consumption.
While Sri Lanka possesses a functional legal framework governing food safety, it previously lacked a cohesive national policy to steer and harmonize food safety initiatives across various institutions and sectors. The new policy fills this void by offering strategic guidance aimed at enhancing governance, bolstering surveillance systems, refining risk assessment and communication, augmenting laboratory capabilities, reinforcing food safety legislation, and increasing awareness among producers, food enterprises, and consumers.
The policy also addresses new food safety challenges arising from evolving food production methods, increasing domestic and international food trade, changing consumer preferences, and the complexities of food supply chains. It advocates for a preventive, risk-based approach to food safety while enhancing collaboration among stakeholders at national, provincial, and local levels.
Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, expressed his support for the policy’s adoption, calling it a key development in bolstering Sri Lanka’s food safety framework. He stated, “The National Food Safety Policy marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to enhance public health and instill greater confidence in our food systems. By creating a clear national framework that emphasizes prevention, scientific risk management, and improved intersectoral coordination, we are establishing the groundwork for safer food for all citizens and boosting the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s agrifood sector. We are grateful for the technical assistance from FAO and the European Union through the BESPA program in formulating this vital national policy.”
Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, underscored the necessity of robust food safety systems for public health and sustainable economic growth. He remarked, “Food safety is crucial not only for safeguarding consumer health but also for developing resilient food systems, enhancing market confidence, and creating new economic opportunities. Through the European Union-funded BESPA program, we are delighted to assist Sri Lanka in establishing its first National Food Safety Policy, which lays a solid foundation for modern, risk-based food safety governance. We look forward to seeing this policy effectively implemented. This achievement signifies our ongoing partnership with Sri Lanka in fostering sustainable agrifood systems that benefit producers, businesses, and consumers alike.”
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been instrumental in supporting the Ministry of Health and Mass Media in developing the National Food Safety Policy since the inception of the BESPA program, funded by the European Union. FAO provided both national and international technical expertise for drafting the policy and continued its assistance through multiple rounds of technical reviews and consultations with stakeholders.
The implementation of the National Food Safety Policy will be backed by an updated Food Act, which aims to establish a legislative framework for enhancing food safety controls in Sri Lanka. In July 2026, FAO facilitated a national stakeholder consultation, led by the Director General of Health Services, to review the most recent draft of the proposed Act and gather final technical input from essential stakeholders.
Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, emphasized the significance of coordinated efforts in enhancing food safety throughout the agrifood system. He stated, “Food safety is vital for protecting public health while fostering resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. This landmark policy offers Sri Lanka a strategic plan to enhance food safety governance, improve intersectoral coordination, and promote preventive, science-based approaches that benefit consumers, producers, and the national economy. FAO is proud to have collaborated with the Government of Sri Lanka, with funding from the European Union through the BESPA program, to reach this important milestone.”
The National Food Safety Policy identifies six strategic priority areas to guide its implementation. These priorities include enhancing food safety governance and institutional coordination; improving food safety oversight throughout the supply chain; strengthening legislation, standards, and regulatory frameworks; advancing surveillance, laboratory capabilities, and risk analysis; fostering communication, education, and capacity building; and establishing effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for successful implementation.
By reinforcing food safety systems, the policy aims to diminish foodborne illnesses, boost consumer trust, facilitate international trade, enhance nutrition outcomes, reduce food wastage, support tourism, and improve the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s food and agriculture sectors.
FAO remains dedicated to assisting the Government of Sri Lanka in executing the National Food Safety Policy and enhancing food safety systems through the European Union-funded BESPA program, as part of broader efforts to promote safer, healthier, and more resilient agrifood systems that contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
IMAGE: Public Health Inspectors conducting routine inspections in Colombo. Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
