Food safety issues in fresh produce supply chain with particular reference to sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Developing countries including those of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) bear the greatest burden of food-borne illnesses. Animal-source foods and fresh fruits and vegetables are the leading cause of food-borne diseases in SSA. Pathogenic bacteria, viruses and chemical contaminants including pesticide residues and calcium carbide used for artificial fruit ripening are the primary agents of food-borne illnesses due to fresh produce in SSA. Small, resource-poor farmers account for the bulk of agricultural production in SSA and advocacy, capacity building in food safety and the application of good agricultural practices and good hygienic practices will reduce fresh produce contamination. Improved post-harvest handling practices, transport and market infrastructure including cold chains, the establishment of simple packinghouses where fresh produce is prepared for the market, developing regulations for the informal food sector, greater capacity to enforce existing regulations and the certification of food management systems will improve food safety throughout the fresh produce supply chain in SSA. The adoption of new, sophisticated and more effective technologies of fresh produce decontamination is hampered by technical and economic constraints. Africa has the fastest-growing number of mobile phone users in the world and mobile phones and internet can improve food quality and safety in SSA and overcome the constraint of access to market information and promote the inclusion of smallholder farmers in SSA in national, regional and global markets.