COMPONENT3ComplementEDESsupporttoNationalAgricultureQuarantine&InspectionAuthority(NAQIA)andotherswithregardtofoodlaws,SPSpolicyandLegal

Framework

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ACKOWLEDGEMENT

ThismissionReportoftheNonKeySPSExpert(NKE)hasbeenpreparedinaccordancewiththeTermsofReferenceandtheServicesContractContractN°2016/374-943.TheNKEwishestoexpresshisgratitudetoCardnoEmergingMarkets,Beligiums.aforgivinghimtheopprtunitytoserveontheTRA2ProjectfundedbyEU.A word of appreciation and thanks for assistance during the work onmission should bemade toMs.Paula Norris – Team Leader EU, TRA2, Mr Timothy Little, Key Expert Component 3 - TradeFacilitation, Ms Bridgette Kamish, Trade Division, Ms Helen Apuai, Focal Point Component 3, MsRebeccaManiat,AlternateFocalPointComponent3andMs.RhaelaAva,ProjectOfficeManager.TheSPSExpertalsowouldliketothankMsBogaVagi,SecretaryTradeDivision,andothermembersofstaffintheTradeDivisionfortheirassistanceduringthemission.

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TABLEOFCONTENTSAcrynonmsandAbbreviations 7ExecutiveSummary 8 1.0 Introduction 111.1 StructureoftheReport 111.2 BackgroundoftheProject 111.3 Objectives 121.4 TheTradeRelatedAssistanceProgrammePhase2 132.0 Methodology 132.1 KickoffMeetingwithCardno 132.2 DocumentationReviewofPolicies,ReportsofpreviousSPSProgramme&Legislation 142.3 ConsultationwithSPSRelatedMinistriesandAgencies 142.4 TrainingofInspectors 142.5 ConsultationswiththeUniversitiesandIndustries 152.6 TheDraftingofaFrameforSPSPolicy2017andStrategicPlanforEstablishmentofSFSA 152.7 DevelopmentofMoUstoPromoteCollaborationAmongFoodSafetyAgencies 153.0 MainActivitiesAccomplished 163.1 Strategy/PlanfortheCreationofASingleFoodSafetyAgency(SFSA) 163.1.1 ReviewoftheDocumentationtoinformtheDraftStrategicPlan 163.1.2 ReviewofDocumentsofEDESProgrammePresentationbyDr.Clarke 173.1.3 ReviewoftheMissionoftheReportonProject1(TRA)inPNGbyIrinaKiveera,FoodLawSpecialist 18 21stFebruaryto5thApril20113.1.4 ReviewofBio-SecurityBill2014 193.1.5 ReviewoftheFoodSanitationActandRegulations2007 203.1.6 ReviewoftheDraftInterimReport:SupporttoTDforPolicyFormulationandTrade FacilitationbyProf.SeverioMannino,QualityInfrastructureExpert–11/3/2016 203.1.7 ReviewoftheSPSPolicy2011 223.2 ConsultationswithSPSAgenciestoInformProposedStrategicPlanTowardsASingle FoodSafetyAuthorityandtheFoodSafetyLaw 233.2.1 ConsultationswiththeNationalAgricultureQuarantineandInspectionAuthority 233.2.2 ConsultationwiththeCentralPublicHealthLaboratory(CPHL)ofDOH 253.2.3 ConsultationwiththeNationalInstituteofStandardis&IndustrialTechnology 283.2.4 ConsultationwithDepartmentofHealth&NationalSanitationCouncil(NFSC) 313.2.5 ConsultationwiththeNationalAgriculturalResearchInstitute(NARI) 313.2.6 ConsultationwiththePNGUniversityofTechnology(Unitech),Lae 323.2.7 ConsultationwiththeDepartmentofAgriculture&CodexContactPoint 343.2.8 ConsultationwithKokonasIndastriKoporesenofPNG(KIK) 353.3 RevisedSPSPolicy 373.3.1 ReviewoftheSPSPolicy2011 373.3.2 ProposedFrameworkforSPSPolicyFramework2017 383.4 Inter-AgencyMoUs 383.4.1 DevelopmentofInter-AgencyMoUModelbetweenCentralPublicHealthLaboratories AndHealthAgenciesinProvinces 393.4.2 DevelopmentofInter-AgencyMoUbetweenNAQIA&Customs&Others 393.5 GuidanceManualsandotherTechnicalDocuments 393.5.1 DevelopmentoftrainingMaterialsforFoodInspectors 393.5.2 DevelopmentofaGuidetoTailoredCoursesforFoodIndustryBetweenFoodIndustry&Academia 393.6 EvidenceofCapacityBuildingAmongstGovernmentofficialsonEnforcementofFoodSafety&SPSinPNG 403.6.1 TrainingofFoodInspectors 403.6.2 TrainingofFoodSafetyInspectorsinLae 413.6.3 TrainingofFoodSafetyInspectorsinKokopo,RabaulEastNewBritainProvince 423.6.4 TrainingofFoodSafetyInspectorsatPortMoresby(POM) 443.6.5 ConsultationswithIndustry&AcademiaondevelopmentofTailoredCoursesforFoodInspectors 473.6.5.1 IntroductiononConsultationbetweenIndustry&Academia 473.6.5.2 ConsultationswithIndustry&AcademiainLae 473.6.5.3 ConsultationswithIndustry&AcademiainKokopo-Rabaul,EastNewBritainProvince 503.6.5.4 ConsultationswithIndustry&AcademiainPortMoresby 513.6.5.5 VisittoUNSECampusatKerevat,KokopotoFamiliarisewithTestingandTrainingCapacitiesattheUniversity 513.6.5.6 VisittoNARIFacilityatKerevat,Kokopo 523.7 StatisticalEvaluationoftrainingofFoodInspectors 523.8 AwarenessWorkshopofGovernmentOfficialsonFindingsoftheMission&PresentationofDraft StrategicPlanTowardsEstablishmentofASingleFoodSafetyAgencyinPNG,11thOctober2017at LamanaHotel,POM 523.9 ReviewonMechanismscurrentlyEmployedintheInspection&InterceptionofImportedSPSGoods/Food 534.0 OverviewonthefoodsafetyofPNG 54

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5.0 Conclusion 556.0 Recommendations 556.1 RecommendationsoftheMission 556.2 GovernmentAgencies&InstitutionsConsultedonLegalReforms 566.3 OnCodexContactPointinDAL 576.4 OnKokonasIndastriKoperesen(KIK)ofPNG 576.5 OnInter-AgencyMoUs 576.6 TrainingofFoodInspectors&DialogueMeetingsbetweenAcademia&Universities 586.7 RecommendationsonDraftStrategicPlantoEstablishaSingleFoodSafetyAgencyinPNG 60ListofAppendices 61

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AcrynonmsandAbbreviations DOH DepartmentofHealthCPHL CentralPublicHealthLaboratoryFAO FoodandAgricultureOrganizationofUnitedNationsGAP GoodAgriculturalPracticesGMP GoodManufacturingPracticesHACCP HazardAnalysisofCriticalControlPointsIOE WorldAnimalHealthOrganizationIPPC InternationalPlantProtectionConventionISO InternationalStandardsOrganizationMOU MemorandumofUnderstandingNAQIA NationalAgricultureQuarantineandInspectionAuthorityNARI NationalAgriculturalResearchInstituteNDP NationalDevelopmentPlanNEC NationalExecutiveCommitteeNISIT NationalInstituteofStandards&IndustrialTechnologyNKE NonKeyExpertPNG PapuaNewGuineaSAFA SingleAutonomousFoodAuthoritySDG SustainableDevelopmentGoalsSFSA SingleFoodSafetyAgencySIDA SwedishInternationalAgencyforDevelopmentSWOT Strengths,Weaknesses,Opportunities,ThreatsWHO WorldHealthOrganization

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EXECUTIVESUMMARYThis project is a short-term mission to complement EDES support to the National AgriculturalQuarantine InspectionAuthority (NAQIA)andotherswithregardto food laws,SPSPolicyandLegalframeworkunderthelongtermTechnicalAssistancetoTradeRelatedAssistanceProgramme–PhaseII (TRA-2) in PapuaNewGuinea. It is financedby the EuropeanUnion (EU). This project addressesComponent 3 of the TRA-2 being, “Trade Facilitation: support export and import products andservices to meet standards of target markets”. Its overall objective is to increase the country’scapacitytobenefitfrominternationaltrade;takeadvantageofexportopportunitiesinlinewithPNG’sdevelopment strategic plan 2010-2030 for sustainable economic growth and development; andultimatelyleadtopovertyalleviationandjobcreation.ThespecificobjectiveofthisprojectasstatedintheTermsofReferenceisto“Supportexportandimportproductsandservicestomeetstandardsoftargetmarkets.”

AccordingtotheTOR,thisreportformsthebasisofrecommendationsbytheNKEtotheTRA2projectandtheGovernmenttoachieveasoundandeffectiveFoodSafetySystemtosupportdomesticandInternationalfoodtrade.

Theservicesrequiredofthismissionwereto:a) Review EDES recommendations and draft a plan for the creation of Single Food Safety

Agency.b) ReviewcurrentSPSrelatedActsandBillsindevelopment,PoliciesandMoUs.c) Consider the current composition of the Food Sanitation Council and make

recommendationsforimprovement.d) Establishwhether there is aneed for inter-agencyMoUs for theexchangeof information

andfacilitateengagementsofrespectiveagencies.e) LiaisewithrelevantacademicinstitutionswiththeobjectiveofdraftingMoUswithIndustry

experts.f) DeliverTrainingeventsandconsultativeworkshopsforprovincialfoodinspectorsandother

SPSrelatedofficers.g) UndertakegreaterawarenessandprovideinformationforGovernmentofficials.h) Review andMake recommendations onmechanisms for import inspection of food stuffs

andSPSgoods.Themissionwasundertakenbetween25thAugustand12thOctober2017. Themission includedakickoffmeetingwith theTeamLeaderandKeyExpertsofTRA2on25thSeptember2017.TheNKEundertookdocumentreviewsofpolicies, lawsandpreviousreportsofEDESandTRA1programmes,consultationswithSPSagencies,helddialoguemeetingsbetweenfoodindustrieswithAcademiaontrainingissues,draftedMOUs/documentstoadvancecollaborationamongSPSAgenciesandtrainingofFoodSafetyInspectorsinthreeprovincesofPNG.ActivitiesAccomplished:

a) DocumentsReviewTheNKEinthefirstweekofthemissionreviewedrelevantdocumentationwiththeviewtodevelopawellinformedDraftStrategicPlantoestablishasingleFoodSafetyAgency(Authority)inPapuaNewGuinea.Thefollowingdocumentationwasreviewed:

• PresentationonLegalFrameworkforFoodSafety,PlantHealthinPNGbyDr.K.Clarke,fromJuly,2015

• MissionReportonTRA1ProjectinPNGbyIrinaKireeva,FoodLawSpecialist,April2011

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• BiosecurityBill,2014• FoodandSanitationAct(FSA),1991andFSARegulations2007• InterimReport:SupporttoTradeDivisionforPolicyFormulationonTradeFacilitationbyProf.

S.Mannino,QualityInfrastructureExpert,March2016• SPSPolicy,2011• NationalInstituteofStandardsandIndustrialTechnology(NISIT),Act1993

The NKE noted that policies and laws needed to be updated to provide for emerging issues andinternational best practices in SPS matters in the legal framework of the Food Safety Chain.Therefore,thisreportpresentsviewsontheneedforlegalreformsintheFoodSafetyChainofPNGandrecommendationsforimprovements.

b) ConsultationwithSPSAgenciesWiththeviewtogetaninformedpositiononchallengesandimprovementofPNGFoodSystem,NKEconsultedthefollowingSPSrelatedAgencies:

• NationalAgricultureQuarantineandInspectionAuthority(NAQIA)• NationalAgricultureResearchInstitute(NARI)• DepartmentofHealthAndFoodandSanitationCouncil• NISIT• KokonasIndastriKoporesenofPNG• CoffeeIndustryCorporation(CIC)• UniversityofTechnology,Lae• CustomsAuthority(CA)• CentralPublicHealthLaboratory(CPHL)

Withregardtoconsultationwiththeaboveagencies,thisreportpresentsmanystructuralchallengesfacing the SPS agencies to fulfil their mandates in SPS related activities. The challenges includedinadequatefunding,inadequatefacilitiesinfoodtestinglaboratories,andpoorcommunicationtothefoodchainstakeholders,tomentionafew.

c) TrainingofFoodSafetyInspectorsinthree(3)regionsofPNGTheNKEconductedtrainingofFoodSafetyInspectorsinLae,Rabaul-KokopoandPortMoresby.ThisreportpresentsproceedingsofthetrainingandrecommendationstotheGovernmentraisedbytheparticipantson improvementof the Food Safety System inPNG. Forty four (44) participantsweretrainedinfoodinspectionrequirementsandobtainedcertificatesofparticipation.

d) DialoguemeetingsbetweenAcademiaandFoodIndustryTheNKEfacilitatedthedialoguemeetingsbetweenAcademiaandFoodIndustrytodeliberateontheway forward to tailor courses for foodhandlers in foodprocessing. TheNKE introduced an elevenpagequestionnaireandcasestudiestogenerateideasonhowbesttrainingneedsforfoodindustrywould be identified. TheUniversity ofGoroka,University of Technology, Lae and theUniversity ofNaturalResourcesandEnvironmentwere involved in theabovementioneddialoguemeetings.Theparticipants intheFoodIndustry included3fishprocessing industries,2flourprocessing industries,and one poultry processing industry. The report also presents the proceedings of the abovementioneddialoguemeetings.

e) Awareness workshop of Government Officials to deliberate on Mission Findings andRecommendations

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TheNKEfacilitatedanAwarenessworkshoponFoodStrategicPlanningandpresentationoffindingson11thOctober2017atLamanaHotel,PortMoresby.TheWorkshopwasattendedby25participantsfrom all SPS agencies consulted during the mission, food Industry and representatives from themanufacturingsector.TheNKEpresentedpowerpointpaperson:FindingsandRecommendationsofthemission;Overviewon Food Safety Systems in Developing Countries (Morocco, Ireland; FAO recommended FoodModels);andapresentationonDraftStrategicPlanforEstablishmentofNationalFoodSafetyAgencyinPNG,2018to2023.Thisreportpresentstheproceedingsoftheaforementionedworkshop.RecommendationsThe report presents recommendations highlighted in bold in the text of the report. Allrecommendationscapturedinthetextaresummarizedinthesection6.

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1.0INTRODUCTIONThepurposeofthisreportistohighlighttheactivitiesaccomplishedbytheNKEtotheTRA2projectandtheGovernmentofPNG;toachieveasoundandeffectiveFoodSafetySystemtosupportdomesticand International foodtrade. Itwillalso featuretherecommendationsoftheactivitiesaccomplishedfortheGovernmentofPNG.

1.1 STRUCTUREOFTHEREPORT

This report is organised into 5main sections. The first section presents background to theproject and objectives of the mission. The second section presents the methodology toaddress the objectives of themission and deliver the services required by NKE. The thirdsection presents main activities accomplished including consultations with SPS agencies,documentreviewsofpreviousreportsofSPSinterventions,trainingofFoodInspectorsinLae,RabaulandPOMandconsultativemeetingsbetweenFoodIndustryandAcademia.ThefourthsectionpresentstheoverviewofFoodSafetyinPNG.Thefifthsectionpresentstheconclusionwhilesection6presentssummaryofRecommendations.

However,theNKEalsoendeavourstohighlightrecommendationsinsubsectionsofthereportin bold italics for the reader to relate the findings in sub sections to the recommendationsmade therein. Later in the sixth section, NKE makes pertinent or summary ofrecommendationsofall recommendationscaptured in subsections in themainbodyof thereport.

1.2 BackgroundoftheProject

PNGhasbeenamemberof theWTOsince1998andsignatory to theWTOSPSAgreement.TheSPSAgreementconfirmstherightofWTOmembercountriestoapplymeasurestoprotecthuman, animal and plant life and health. The Agreement covers all relevant laws; testing,inspection and certification procedures; and packaging and labelling requirements directlyrelatedtofoodsafety.

In2015PNGreceivedassistancethroughtheEU-fundedEDESProgramme.ThepurposeoftheEDESProgrammewastheStrengtheningoffoodsafetysystemsthroughSPSmeasuresinACPcountries.TheoverallobjectiveofEDESwastoimprovethecontributionofthefoodtradetopovertyalleviationinACPcountries.EDESaimedtoassistACPStatestobuildtheir“national(or regional) foodsafetypolicies”bysupportingcountries in implementing their foodsafetypolicies,andbysupportingtheestablishmentof“tailored”nationalsystems;andtoassisttheprocessofchangethatisnecessaryfortheestablishmentoffoodsafetymanagementsystemsbasedonriskanalysis.

PNGreceivedthefollowingsupportunderEDES:

• AgroFoodSafetyandCodexPNGfacilitatedworkshopsusingthenewSPSCompliancePolicy2011 and included; National Food Safety, Framework Agreement, Risk Communication,Operationalcontrols,HeavymetalsandqualityassurancetrainingandLegislativeFrameworkworkshops.

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• UndertheSPSCompliancePolicy2011,AgroFoodSafetyandCodexPNGhasCoordinated12th

and 13th Session of the Codex Coordinating Committee for North America and SouthWestPacificinMadangin2012andKokopoin2014.

TechnicalAssistancewasalsoprovided in2011under theTradeRelatedAssistanceProjectPhase IwithareviewofthePNGfoodsafetylawsandrecommendationstoimprovetheexistinglegislativeframeworktomeetinternationalstandards.AsaresultofTRA1interventionsPNGpublisheditsSPSPolicy.1.3 Objectives

Theobjectivesoftheinterventionareasfollows:

ii) ToreviewEDESrecommendationsanddraftaplanforthecreationofaSingleFoodSafetyAgency(SFSA).

iii) ToreviewcurrentSPSrelatedActsandBillsindevelopment,PoliciesandMoUs.

iv) To consider the current composition of the Food Sanitation Council and makerecommendationsforimprovement.

v) Toestablishwhetherthereisaneedfor inter-agencyMoUsfortheexchangeof informationandfacilitateengagementsofrespectiveagencies.

vi) Tofacilitatetherelevantacademicinstitutionsandfoodindustriestodeveloptailoredtrainingcoursesinfoodsafetymanagementforthepersonnelinthefoodindustry.

vii) TodelivertrainingeventsandconsultativeworkshopsforprovincialfoodinspectorsandotherSPSrelatedofficers.

viii) ToundertakegreaterawarenessandprovideinformationforGovernmentofficials.ix) To review andmake recommendations onmechanisms for import inspection of food stuffs

andSPSgoods.

1.4 TheTradeRelatedAssistanceProgramme(Phase2)

The support for export and import of products and services to meet standards of targetmarkets fits within the overall context of building the trade capacity of the country. Thisinitiative is being implemented under the Trade Related Assistance Programme (Phase 2),Component 3; Trade Facilitation, with overall objective to increase international traderesulting in sustainable economic growth and development for PNG, ultimately leading topovertyalleviationandjobcreation.Thepurposeoftheprojectistoincrease,inlinewiththePNG’s development strategic plan 2010 – 2030, the country’s capacity to benefit frominternationaltradeandtakeadvantageofexportopportunities.

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The project is to complement the EDES interventions toNAQIA, Department of Health andotherSPSrelatedagenciesdealingwithFoodSafetymattersinPNGwithregardtofoodlaws,SPS Policy, and legislative frameworks and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) betweenrelevantagencies

2.0. METHODOLOGY

This sectionwill explain themethodologyusedby theexpert to address theobjectives anddelivertheservicesrequired.Someofthemethodologicalmattersconcerntheholdingofthekick-offmeetingandagreeingonmainfocusissues,commentingontheTermsofReference,elaborating on consultations with SPS related agencies, and a review of documentation toinform thedevelopmentof the strategy to establish a Single Food SafetyAgency (SFSA) inPNG.

2.1 KickoffMeetingwithCardino

On 25th August 2017, theNKE had a debriefing sessionwithMs PaulaNorris, Team LeaderCardnoandMrTimLittle,KeyExpertTradeFacilitation(KE3).ThemeetingcoveredarangeofissuesincludingthedevelopmentoftheplanofimplementationofToRs.

It was agreed that NKE shouldmost importantly liaisewithMs Helen Apuai, Component 3FocalPoint, TradeDivision, (TD) toexecute theworkplanandarrange thevisits to keySPSrelatedagenciesanddepartmentsmentionedintheToRs,especiallykeypersonalitiescapableofprovidingusefulinformationtothemissionfortheNKE.TheWorkplanfortheMissionisheretoappendedinAppendix1.

2.2 DocumentationReviewofpolicies,ReportsofpreviousSPSprogrammesandLegislation

The NKE reviewed documents relevant to FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarious CommissionincludingvariousGuidelines forestablishmentofNational FoodControl systems,Codesandrelated Food standards. Other documents reviewed included relevant InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ISO) standards, textbooks regarding global food safety,previousreportsofTRA1projectandEDESProgramme,existingpolicies,LawsandregulationsofPNGrelatedtoSPSmatters.TheTeamleaderalsoprovidedotherrelevantpublicationsofimportanceonSPSmatters to inform thedraft strategicplan forestablishmentofaSingleFoodSafetyAgencyasoneofthedeliverables.

2.3 ConsultationwithSPSRelatedMinistriesandAgencies

TheNKEinconsultationwithKE,ComponentFocalPoint,ComponentAlternateFocalPointand other Trade Division staff arranged the logistics and communication to relevant SPSagencies. DuringconsultationswithSPSagencies theNKEproposedthatagenciesprovidecontact persons for continuedonline consultations during the implementationof ToRs. Inthis regard the NKE was able to get relevant information not covered during arrangedconsultations.ThelistofpersonscontactedisappendedinAppendix2.

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2.4 Trainingofinspectors

TheNKEreviewedtheToRsinrespectoftrainingoftheinspectorsbeforetravellingtoPapuaNewGuineainAugust2017.ThedocumentsreviewedincludedISOandCODEXstandardsandguidelines on capacity building of SPS Competent Authorities, relevant documents on thewebsitesofFoodStandardsAuthoritiesofsomecountriesandotherwebsitestocomeupwithrelevantmaterialsforthetrainingoffoodinspectors.DuringtheconsultatationswiththeSPSAgencies, themeetings assisted theNKE to visualizewhat type of audience of trainees hewould expectduring the trainingand toadjust the trainingmaterials to suit theexpectedaudience.TheNKEdevelopedaparticipatoryapproachtypeoftrainingincluding;groupworksessions,exchangeofexperiencesandguidedthetraineesondevelopingrecommendations.NKE also provided the relevant references to the participants in order to obtain in-depthknowledgeonfoodsafetyauditandtechniquesinfoodinspection.

2.5 ConsultationswiththeUniversitiesandIndustries

TheNKEhadstartedtheworkonthe consultationbetweenAcademiaand Industry inearlyAugust2017beforeconductingthemissioninPNG.TheworkentailedconsultationswiththeSchool of Food Science Technology and Bio-Engineering of Makerere University, Kampala,Uganda to share experiences in the development of a Masters degree in Food QualityManagementandothercoursestailoredforfoodprocessorsinUganda. TheNKEdevelopedcasestudiesandadetailedquestionnairetailoredtogettingthetrainingneedsoffoodqualityoperators in industries. During the consultative meetings, the Academia, Food Industryrepresentatives and the team from TD engaged in round table discussions based onpresentationofcasestudiesandquestionnairedevelopedbyNKE.Theconsultativemeetingswouldthereaftermakerecommendationsofthewayforwardtowardsthedevelopmentofatailored course to the food industry. The case study and Questionnaire developed areappendedinAppendix3.

2.6 TheDraftingofaframeforSPSPolicy2017andStrategicPlanforestablishmentofSAFA.NKE reviewed FAO documents such as the Principles and Guidelines for National FoodControlSystems,CAC/GL82-2003andmanyguidelinestodraftaStrategicPlantoestablishaSingleFoodAuthority.During the consultations and training sessions, the NKE sought opinions to include in theproposeddraftstrategicplansfortheestablishmentofaFoodAuthoritywhichsuitsPNG.TheNKE also reviewed a book entitled “Ensuring Global Food Safety – Exploring GlobalHarmonization”byChristineBiosrobertetal2010,ElsevierInc.USAwhichcontainedin-depthanalysisoffoodqualitySystemsinvariouscountries.

2.7 DevelopmentofMoUstopromotecollaborationamongFoodSafetyagencies

TheNKEused the opportunity to visit SPS agencies to get views from themon the desiredformof formal collaboration and areasof potential cooperation. Thereafter, NKEdraftedproposed modelsof draftMoUsproviding for technicalareasofcooperationbasedontheviews obtained during the visits. The proposed MoUs were thereafter formally

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communicated to relevant agencies by TD Project to proceed with the desired process ofcooperationonSPSissues.TheprototypeofproposedMoUsareappendedinAppendix4.

3.0 MAINACTIVITIESACCOMPLISHED

InreferencetotheToRsofNKE,theobjectiveofthisassignmentwastocomplementtheEDESinterventionsonNationalAgricultureQuarantineandInspectionAuthority(NAQIA)andotherSPS agencieswith regard to food laws, SPS policy and the legislative frameworks andMoUbetweenagencies.

The activity description therefore required that the NKE review the EDES Programmerecommendations and the recommendation of the TRA Phase 1. The NKE obtained thenecessarydocumentationfromtheTeamLeaderwhichincludedthefollowing;

a) EDES Presentation of Findings; “Legal Framework for Food Safety and Animal and Plant

HealthinPNG”byDr.KennethClarkeon28thJuly2015b) MissionReportTRAProject1byMsIreneKireeva–FoodLawSpecialist5thApril2011c) FoodandSanitationAct,1991andSanitationRegulations,2007.Howevereffortstoobtain

theDraftFoodControlBillfromDOHofHealthwerefutile1.d) DraftBiosecurityBill,2014e) DraftInterimReport; “SupporttotheTradeDivisionforTradePolicyFacilitation,Europe

Aid”byPro.SaverioMANNINO-QualityinfrastructureExpert,andrelevantdocuments.

TheNKEreviewedtheabovementioneddocumentsandpresentsthereviewbelow.

3.1 Strategy/planforthecreationofaSingleFoodSafetyAgency(SFSA)

This sectionpresentsactivitiesundertaken to informthedevelopmentofdraftStrategyandActionPlanforcreationofaSingleFoodSafetyAgencyasdetailedbelow.

3.1.1 Reviewofthedocumentationtoinformthedraftstrategicplan

TheToRsrequiredtheNKEtoreviewtherelevantpreviousreportsofSPSprogrammes,laws,policiesandtoundertakevisitstoSPSagenciesinordertogetaninformedposition,soastodevelopthestrategicplanforestablishmentofSingleFoodSafetyAgencyinPNG.Thereviewbelowpresentspertinentissuesraisedinthepastreportsorintheprovisionsofthelaws;andmentionswhat themissionofNKE complements towards thedevelopment of the StrategicplanfortheestablishmentofaSingleFoodSafetyAgency.

3.1.2 ReviewofDocumentsofEDESProgrammePresentationbyDr.Clarke

TheNKEreviewedthepresentationonLegalFrameworkforFoodSafety,PlantHealthinPapuaNewGuinea(PNG)byDr.KennethClarke,Consultant,EDESProgramme. Inthereview,NKEpointsoutthepertinentissuesonSPSwhichrelatedtothecurrentprojectasfollows:

1 The Draft Food Control Bill was finally shared by DoH on the day the NKE was departing PNG.

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a) TheEDESprogrammecoveredgapanalysisandidentifiedSPSpublicinstitutions

inFoodSafetyChain.Furthermore,theEDESprogrammeundertooktrainingonrisk communication on SPS issues, food controls, assessment of twolaboratories,providedtechnicalassistancefordeterminationofheavymetalsinfood stuffs, and cooperated with World Health Organization (IOE) inimplementation of the programme. The above mentioned reportrecommended the training of laboratory stakeholders such as food safetyinspectorstobefurtherextendedinotherprovincesofPNG.

b) At the time of the presentation of the EDES Programme report on 28th July

2015, there was no single administrative body dealing with food safety andcontrol issuesnoracoherentnationalstrategyor the legal framework inPNGthatprotectedfoodfromhazardscoveringallstagesofproduction,processinganddistribution.

c) TheEDES Report alsopoints out theweakness inDOH such as not being in

overall chargeof foodsafety issues inthefoodchain,operatingunderanoldand outdated Act, (FSAct 1991) and not coordinating inspections in foodimports. TRA2project furtherproposes todevelop a lawbasedon theFAOFoodLawModel.

TheEDESprojectnotednegativefeaturesinthefoodcontrolsystemsuchas:• Fragmentedlegislation–muchofitveryold• FoodSanitationActoutdated–notbasedonCodexprinciples• Nolegislationcoveringchemicalhazards–includingagrochemicalsandveterinary

medicines• Poorenforcementindomesticmarket• Limitedpowerstocontrolfoodimports• Foodlabelling• Nolegislationaboutanimalfeedrelatingtofoodsafety

TheNKE complements the issues in (a) by conducting Training of Food Safety Inspectors inthree (3) regions of PNG; Lae, Rabaul and POM to include provincial Environmental HealthInspectors.NKEfurthercomplements issuesraised in (b), (c)and(d)abovebydeveloping aDraftStrategicPlanforestablishmentofSFSA2018to2023byincludingactivitiestodevelopaFood Safety Bill that provides effective controls in the food safety chain using internationalbestpractices.

3.1.3 Reviewof theMission of theReport on Project 1 (TRA1) in PNG; by Irina Kireeva,FoodLawSpecialist-21stFebruaryto5thApril2011

TheNKEreviewedthemissionoftheabovereportbyMs.IrinaKireeva,FoodLawSpecialist.In the review,NKE points out the pertinent issues on SPSwhich are related to the currentprojectasfollows:

a) TheFoodLawSpecialistnotes thatFoodSafetyAgenciesand laboratoriesofPapuaNew

Guinea were not fully equipped or ready to implement many of the objectives of theproposedFoodLaworenforceFoodSafetypolicyimmediately.Inthisregard,NKEnotesthat FAO Guidelines for strengthening national food control system recommend that

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effective and efficient Food Safety System food laboratories should have adequatefacilities for physical,microbiological and chemical analyses aswas echoed by the FoodLawSpecialist.

b) TheTRA1ReportdetailedvariousweaknessesofallPNGlegislationrelatedtoSPSmatters

rangingfrombeingoldtonotmeetinginternationalrequirements.

c) TheabovementionedReportfurtherhighlightsthemostpertinentaspectsofrelevantEUDecisionsandDirectiveswhichPNGwouldbenchmark to review its legislation regardingSPSmatters.

TheFoodLawExpertmadeimportantrecommendationssuchas:• The need to include internationally recommended good practices such as HACCP and

otherinternationalfoodcodesofCodex,IPPC,andIOEinPNGfoodLegislation.

• Introductionoftheconceptontraceabilityasoneofthemajorelementsofeffectivefoodandfeedssafetysystemsatallstagesofthefoodchain.

• PromulgationofaFoodLawbasedontheFAOmodelanddevelopmentofGuidelinesforinspectors,amongothers.

TheNKEaddressestheissuesraisedbytheFoodLawexpertbyproposingaFAOFoodModelLawintheproposedstrategicplandescribedbelow.NKE complements the issues in (a) above by visiting potential food laboratories to carrytestingneeds for the food chainwith the view to reassess gaps and recommendpre-auditsagainstISO17025:2005-Competencerequirementsfortestingandcalibrationlaboratoriesasamediumtermsolution.NKEwillfurtherproposeinvestmentsinthesaidlaboratoriesintheDraft StrategicPlan forestablishmentofa SingleFoodSafetyAgency. Furthermore theNKEproposesdevelopmentofacomprehensiveFoodLawthatprovidesissuesraisedinb),c)andd)aspartofthismission.

3.1.4 ReviewofBiosecurityBill2014

On1stSeptember2017,theNKEvisitedtheNAQIAofficesinPOMandmettheseniorofficialof NAQIA who availed the NKE with a copy of Draft Biosecurity Bill 2014. During theconsultationmeetingwithNAQIA,theNKEwasinformedthattheDraftBiosecurityBill,2014was at the stage of being considered by the Legislative Council which is responsible fordraftingtheNationalLawsinPNG.TheNAQIAteamexpresseddisappointmentonthedelaybytheLegislativeCounciltoadvancetheDraftBiosecurityBill2014forfurtherconsiderationinto anAct of Parliament. TheNKEwas not in position to review theDraft Biosecurity Bill2014andmakecommentsandrecommendationsasprescribedintheToRs,becausethebillhadnowreachedthefinalstagesofapprovalbytheGovernment.

However,theNKEnotedthattheFoodLawSpecialistTRA1hadrecommendedtoreviewthedefinitionofthetermBiosecurityintheDraftBiosecurityBill2006.

The recommendeddefinitionby theFood LawSpecialistwas that the term; “Biosecurity” isthe control by legal and administrativemeans of diseases, pests and noxious or injurious

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contaminants affecting animals, plants and their products. It includes those that mayconsequentiallyharmhumans,agriculture,biodiversity,naturalecosystemsandtheeconomy;in order to avoid adverse effects from such diseases and pests, noxious and injuriouscontaminantsonthewell-beingofPapuaNewGuineaanditspeople.TheFoodLawSpecialistinTRA1consideredthatthedefinitionoftheterm“Biosecurity”intheDraftBiosecurityBill2006wasnarrowercomparedtointernationallyrequireddefinitions.ItisimportanttonotethattherecommendationoftheFoodLawSpecialisthadbeenconsideredto review thedefinitionof the term“Biosecurity” in the currentDraftBiosecurityBill 2014whichwasveryimportanttothewholedraftBillforlegalandoperationalpurposes.

TheNKEnotedthatthedevelopmentoftheDraftBiosecurityBillhadtakenalongtime,from2006 to 2017 as correctly pointed out by previous TRA1 project regarding food safetyinterventions.Itwasnotclearwhathadgonewrong;butitwasmostlikelythatfundingoftheprocessofthefinaldraftwouldneedresourcesfortechnicalexpertsfromNAQIAtohaveintensivemeeting sessionswith the legal experts in the Legislative Council to finalize it. InmostcountriestheLegaldraftingexpertswouldhaveintensiveinteractions,likeretreatswithtechnicalexpertstoexpeditethefinaldraftingprocess.

RECOMMENDATION: The NKE recommends to TRA 2 to support the final drafting of theDraftBiosecurityBill,2014toitslogicalconclusion.

3.1.5 ReviewontheFoodSanitationActandRegulations2007

During the review of various reports and consultation meetings undertaken during themission byNKE, it wasstronglypointedoutthatFoodSanitationAct(FSA),1991was longoverduetoberepealedinordertoaccommodatebothdomesticandinternationalFoodSafetyconcerns.TheNKEthereforefounditunnecessarytoreviewtheFSA,1991.TheNKEreviewedtheStatutoryInstrumentNo.01of2007,FoodandSanitationRegulation,2007.

NKEnotedthattheFoodandSanitationRegulation,2007wasstructuredinaformofcodesofpracticesandstandardsofproductsspecificationstypicalofCodexAlimentariusCommissionstandards.Specificationsandmaximumlimitswhethermicrobial,chemicalorphysicalchangefromtimetotimeduringstandardselaboration.Codexreviewsfoodspecificationsandcodesof practice from time to time. Regular updating of standards especially specification andmaximumorminimumlimits,renderstheFoodandSanitationRegulations2007obsoleteinapracticalsense.

RECOMMENDATION:Therefore theFoodandSanitationRegulations, 2007need reviewingtoprovideforclausesthatwillbeguidingonhowtochangespecificationsandlimitsfromtimetotime.ItisrecommendedthatDOH,whichisresponsibleforthisregulation,considersreviewingitassoonaspossible.

Theregulation2007prescribes for theMinisterofHealthtogazette laboratories thatmeettherequirementsofISO17025underPNGLASaccreditationschemeofNISIT. It is importanttocheckwhetherthisprovisionhadbeenimplementedoreffectedtogazettetheaccreditedlaboratoriesorcouldbeimplementedtoboostthestatusofaccreditedlaboratories.

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3.1.6 ReviewofthedraftInterimReport:SupporttoTDforpolicyFormulationandTradeFacilitation;byProf.SaverioMannino,QualityInfrastructureExpert-11thMarch2016.a) NKE noted that the report pointed out weak enforcement in food safety systems was

growing in PNG and great attention should be paid to the development of a new andcomprehensiveapproach.

b) The above report noted that strengthening Unitech laboratories was of a food safety

interestsoastoenhancetestingcapabilitiesandservicestofoodstakeholdersintheLaeandsurroundingregion.

c) On some recommendationsmade in theReport onQuality Infrastructure and followupactivities,thereportpointedoutthatthefollowingactionswereinprogressatthetimeorwouldbeundertakeninthenextmissions:• TrainingonthejobforNAQIA,NARI,CPHLandUASLlaboratories.

• A course on ISO/IEC 17021:2011 and 17065:2013 especially prepared for PNGLAS.

ThesecoursesareofparamountimportanceforbodieslikePNGLASthatareprovidingauditandcertificationoflaboratoryoverthecountry.

• One general course on ISO 22000 on food safety management system for anyorganization involved in the food chain, mainly industry and associations like theNationalFisheryAuthority(NFA)wasproposed.

• OnecourseonSamplingdedicatedtotheCustomsinspectors.

• Creationofadatabaseoflaboratoryandtestingservicesprovidedbykeylaboratories

inPNG,namelyNAQIA,NARI,CPHLandUASL.

d) Consideringthefactthatmanyactivitiesconcerningthetradesystemin thefoodsectorwere carried out in different regions of the country, the above mentioned reportrecommendedthatsomefoodrelatedcoursesshouldbeheldoutsidePortMoresby.

e) The reportpointedout numerousweaknessesatNISIT suchas the fragileaccreditation

scheme of PNGLAS, and conflict of interest in executing its (NISIT) functions; and theimplicationsofsuchweaknessesintradeandeconomygenerally.

TheNKEwillcomplementontheconcernsraisedbyQuality InfrastrucureExpertbymeetingNISIT Officials during the mission as will be demonstrated in subsequent sections of thisReportbelow.

3.1.7 ReviewofSPSPolicy2011

TheNKEreviewedtheSPSPolicy2011andfoundthefollowinggaps:

a) ThepolicydocumentmentionedaboveappearedtobeapublicationoftheDepartmentofAgriculture, which focused most on the role of National Codex Committee and its

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functions.Therefore,thedocumentdidnotincludetheissuesofthewholefoodchainof“FarmtoTable”concept.

b) In the SPS Policy 2011 document, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

were not logically captured and were mixed up. Policy needs to logically and clearlyidentify the strengths and opportunities so as to give direction on how to address theweaknessesandthreatsinthesectiononstrategicinterventionsinthepolicy.

c) Theissueofaddressingfoodbornesurveillanceswasnotveryprominentinthedocument,

giving an impression that the said policywasdevelopedwithmuchemphasison FoodchainbasedAgricultureproduction.

d) Mostofthepoliciesarereviewedafter3yearstoinformthepolicymakerstheextentof

the implementation of the policy. The evaluation review of a policy would entail;identification of challenges encountered during implementation, how to address theemergingissuesoverthelast3years,andupdatinginformationinthepolicydocumenttoberelevanttothecurrentsituation.ItwasstatedinSPSPolicy2011documentthatreviewwouldbeundertakenin2014and2017.OnenquiryfromDAL,NKEwasinformedthatthepolicydocumenthadnotbeenreviewed.ItwasforthisreasonthatNKEliaisedmuchwithDALduringthemissiontogetabestapproachonreviewingtheSPSPolicyasstatedintheToRs.

e) TheSPSPolicy2011documentdweltmuchontheestablishmentoftheNationalCodexCommitteeanditsfunctions. Althoughwithbroadmembership, littlewasmentionedonthe role of IOE and IPPC recommended standards and procedures in the policy. It isimportanttonotethattheIOEandIPPCstandardsformabasisforSPSissuesworldwide,andNAQIAwhich isunderDAL, isadelegatememberof theseorganizationsmentionedabove.

f) The Government policies mentioned in the policy document have been overtaken bynewer policies from 2015 to 2030. The data in the policy documentwas old; maybebecauseofnotreviewingthedocument,aswasenvisaged.

3.2 Consultations With SPS Agencies To Inform The Proposed Strategic Plan Towards Single

FoodSafetyAuthorityAndTheFoodSafetyLaw

This section presents the consultationsmade by the NKE during themissionwith the SPSagencies.Duringtheconsultation,theNKEwasabletogettherolesandresponsibilitiesoftheSPS agencies in the food safety chain at operational level andmade findings to inform theDraftStrategicPlantoestablishtheSFSA.

3.2.1 Consultations with National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority

(NAQIA)

a)RolesandresponsibilitiesofNAQIAintheFoodSafetyChain

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On1stSeptember2017,theNKE,KE4andanofficialfromtheTDmetseniorofficialsfromalltheNAQIAdirectorates.TheofficialsbriefedtheTRA2Teamontherolesandresponsibilitiesasfollows:

• NAQIA was established by the provisions of the NAQIA Act, 1997 under the

DepartmentofAgricultureandLivestock,

• InbriefNAQIAhasarangeofresponsibilitiesincludingprotectionagainsttheentryofregulatedpestsanddiseasesaffectingplants,animalshumanbeingsandenvironment;carryingoutthesurveillanceandmonitoringofpestsanddiseases;facilitationoftheexport and importof animals andplants and theirproducts in accordancewithPNGSPS standards and measures published by FAO/WHO Codex AlimentationsCommission; International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and World AnimalHealth Organization (OIE). NAQIA is also the delegate member of OIE and IPPCrepresentingPNGamongotherfunctions.

• The operational level services of NAQIA are delivered through an organizational

structure of three Divisions namely: Operations, Technical and Advisory, andCorporate.OperationsDivisionisresponsibleforbordercontrols-importandexport,agricultural quarantine and inspection, border posts and issuance of permits. TheTechnical Division covers plant health services, regional plant laboratories, animalhealth services, national veterinary laboratory, and field services. The CorporatedivisiondealswithhumanresourcecapacitiesintheAuthority.

• TheorganizationdeliversservicesatPortMoresbyheadquarters,with21locations in

partsofPNG,five(5) internationalairports,two(2) laboratoriesforPlantandAnimalHealth.

• NAQIA has a range of external clients and stakeholders including Government

agencies,arangeofbusinessoperators,internationalagencies,specialinterestgroupssuchasprivateassociationsandNonGovernmentOrganizations(NGO).

(b)FindingstoinformtheStrategicPlan

TheNKEraisedanumberofpertinentSPSissuesduringconsultationmeetingwithNAQIAandnotedthefollowing:

• LaboratoriesatNAQIAprovidetestingservicestotestE.ColiandSalmonellamicrobes

and Histamine content in Fish and Fishery products for exports as requested byNationalFisheriesAuthority(NFA).

• NAQIAwasdesiroustoenterintoMoUwithCustomsAuthority(CA)tostreamlinethe

inspectionandverificationofplant andanimalproducts in the interestof increasingefficiency.

• NAQIAundertakessurveillanceandriskassessmentsonrequestbytheprivatesector

orclientswhopayforsuchservices.

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• Itwas pointed out thatwhen the Biosecurity Bill 2014 is enacted as a Lawby the

National Parliament in its present form,NAQIAwill havemore powers to prosecuteoffendersandenhanceitseffectivenessinfoodControl.

• NAQIAinformedTRA2teamthatitwasinadvancedstagesofconcludingtheMoU

with National Fisheries Authority (NFA) in order to increase efficiency in jointoperationsbybothAgencies.

• NAQIA informed the TRA 2 Team that it was desirous tomake formal collaboration

withCustomsAuthorityandotherSPSagencies.NAQIArequestedtheTRA2Teamtodraft the MoU and facilitate initial consultations with CA and other agencies toconclude thematter. KE3 promised to follow up thematter with CA and NKE willreportinsectiononMoUsbelowontheoutcomeofthefollow-uppromisedbyKE.

• NAQIA informed the TRA2 Team that the Biosecurity Bill, 2014 was still being

consideredbytheLegislativeCouncil(LC)responsiblefordraftingNationalLawsbeforetheyaretabledinParliament.SeniorOfficialsofNAQIAexpresseddisappointmentonthedelaycaused bytheLCtoconcludethesaiddraftBill. ItwasnotclearwhentheLegislative Council would clear the Biosecurity Bill 2014 for tabling in the NationalParliament.

• When the TRA 2 Team elaborated on the proposed plan to establish SFSA in PNG,

NAQIA supported the idea as a positive step towards strengthening the food safetyissueinthecountry.

• TheTRA2TeamnotedthatNAQIAbeingadelegatememberofOIEandIPPC,adopted

themost recent InternationalStandards forPhytosanitaryMeasures (ISPMs)andOIETerrestrial Animal Health Code was a positive step towards confidence building ofNAQIAservicesinbothdomesticandinternationaltrade.

• NAQIAlaboratorieshadbeenaccreditedbyNISITandrenewalofaccreditationhadnot

beendone.

RECOMMENDATION: The NKE recommends that NAQIA should renew the accreditationstatus of its laboratories with NISIT or any International accreditation body as soon aspossible.

3.2.2 ConsultationwithCentralPublicHealthLaboratory(CPHL)ofDOH

a)RolesandResponsibilitiesofCPHLinFoodSafetychain

On 30th September 2017, the NKE, KE3 and alternate Focal point TRA2 visited the CentralPublicHealthLaboratorylocatedatthreemile(3)inthepremisesofPOMGeneralHospitalinPOM. The team held ameeting with CPHL Team comprising of the LaboratoryManager,Scientific officer in charge of Food andWaterMicrobiology and the Scientific Officer, Foodlaboratory.

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TheofficialsofCPHLbriefedtheNKEonrolesandresponsibilitiesinrelationtofoodtestingasfollows:

• CPHL isaNationalreference laboratoryforPNGandprovides laboratorysupporttokey

public health programs including disease surveillance programme and control,environmentalhealthmonitoring,developmentoflaboratorystandards,qualityassuranceandtraining.

• CPHL has five (5) units of operations which include; Food and water Laboratory,

TuberculosisLaboratory,MalariaLaboratory,Sero-SurveillanceUnitandQualityAssuranceUnit.

• FoodandWaterMicrobiologycoverstestsincludingTotalplatecount,Totalcoliform,fecal

coliforms,Escherichia. Coli,Salmonella,Vibrio.Cholera,Parasitcus .paraheamolyticus andStaphylococcus.Auereas.

• TheTuberculosisLaboratoryunitcoverstestingAcidFastBacilli,GenExperttest,Culture

andPhysicalcontainmentLevel3test.

• TheMalariaDiagnosticsFacilityundertakestestingofdifferentspeciesofmalariacausingorganisms.

• TheSero-SurveillanceUnitcoversserotypingsurveillanceofMeasles,Rubella,RotaVirus

Crypto,CoccalSyphillisandAntistroptomyotitre.• HIVreferenceunitconfirmstesting,validationandotherHIVtestingrequirementssuchas

viralloadandothers.

• The Quality Assurance Unit coordinates and monitors the National External QualityAssuranceprogrammeonmajordiseaseslikemalaria,HIV,TBandtraining.

• OnthewishtosigntheMoUswithotheragencies,theCPHLteamstronglysupportedthe

ideatomakeMoUswithcomponentsofDepartmentofHealthProvincialandPeripherallaboratories in respect of microbiological testing services, inter-comparison testing ofduplicatesamples,confirmatorytesting,validationtesting,capacitybuildingandtraining,andLaboratoryQualityManagementSystem(LQMS).LQMS includes informationsharingnetworkonfoodpathogensandnotifiableagentsofpublichealthsignificance.

• On the food borne diseasesmonitoring in the food chain, CPHL informed the NKE that

therewas lackofdatamonitoringandavailablesamplesaresubmittedtothelaboratoryonlybasedoncomplaintsandoutbreakofdiarrhealdiseasesmainlycausedbySalmonellaand Shigella species. CPHL reported that typhoid disease caused by Salmonella.typhibacteria and adverse dysentery disease caused by shigella bacteriawere so endemic inPNG.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

I)TheaboverevelationofreportedoutbreaksofdiahorealdiseasesindicatedthatfoodbornediseasesarerampantinthePNGsocietybutthisinformationneedstobeverifiedbysurveillance

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data.ThisrevelationofimportancecalledforfurtherassessmentofdiahoearialdiseasesbyDOHnationwide.

ii) Itishighlyrecommendedthatcomprehensivenationwidesurveyontheprevalenceoffoodbornediseases in the societybeundertakenand riskanalysisbedone. The resultsof surveywouldjustifytheacceleratedimplementationoftheStrategicPlantoestablishtheSingleFoodSafetyAgencytoundertakethemonitoringroleofpreventionof foodhazards intheFarmtotablechain.

• Regarding the cooperation with external laboratories, NKE was informed that CPHL

collaborateswithTheRoyalCollegeofPathologistsofAustralia(RPCA)LaboratoryinBrisbane,Australia, Victoria Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VDRAL) Melborne, Center forDiseases Control (CDC) Canada Proficiency and Testing andMycobacterium Tuberculosis inQueensland.

• OnTrilateralcooperationinMalaria,CPHLgotatrilateralprojectsupportgrant2016to2018

betweenChina,AustraliaandPNGtosetupamalariamolecularandslidebanking,buildingaNational Reference Laboratory and training laboratory personnel on microscopy andmaintenanceinChina.

b)FindingstoinformtheStrategicPlan

• TheNKEobservedthatCPHLhasapivotalroleinensuringfoodsafetyfromfarmtotableinPNG.

iii)NKErecommendstotheGovernmenttoenhanceandstrengthencapacitiesof CPHLtomonitorfoodbornediseasesandRiskManagementoffoodhazards

• TheNKE observed that CPHL under DOH, is advantaged to networkwith Provincial and

Periphery Laboratories, thus a justification to establish the Single Autonomous FoodAuthorityinDOH

• NKE noted that the laboratory space for CPHL is inadequate to meet the international

standardsforrequirementsofbothclinicalandfoodlaboratories.TheNKEobservedpoorhousekeepingduetoinadequatespace.ThelaboratoryneedstomeettherequirementsofInternational Standards; ISO 17025:2005, General requirements for the competence oftesting and calibration laboratories and ISO 15189:2012, Medical LaboratoriesRequirementsforqualityandcompetenceinrespectofaccommodationandenvironmentconditions.

iv) TheNKE therefore recommends to theGovernment to provide technical and financialsupport to CPHL in the shortest time to prepare for accreditation in fulfillment of therequirements of ISO 17025 and ISO 15189. Accredititation of CPHL is critical inimplementation of the Strategic plan towards establishment of SFSA in PNG as CPHL is anationalstrategiclaboratoryinhealthandcontrolofhazardsinthefoodchain.

• TheNKEobserved that the coverage of food tests byCPHL is narrow in respect to food

analysis.Thelaboratoryneedstocoverawiderrangeoftestsinfoodanalysisinthefieldof

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chemicalandmicrobiologicaltesting.Thelaboratorydoesnothaveachemicaltestingunittocover toxic heavymetals in the food chain, bacteriological toxins, pesticide and veterinaryresidues. In Microbiology tests, CPHL needs to expand the scope testing to other foodpathogens of importance such as Yersinia.enterocolitica, Llisteria.monocytogenes,Clostridium.botulinum,Campylobacterjejuni,Streptococcus,pyogenesandothers.

V) The NKE recommends to the Government to support CPHL to expand its testingcapabilitiesinfoodtestinginChemicalandMicrobiologyincludingexpandingitsspace.

3.2.3 ConsultationwithNationalInstituteofStandardsandIndustrial Technology(NISIT)

On 30th August 2017, the NKE held a consultative meeting with the Head of MetrologyDepartment (HOMD) and Head of Corporate Services of NISIT at TD Offices and later hadanother separate meeting with HOMD, NISIT on 15th September 2017 in the same TRA2offices.DuringinteractionsinbothconsultativemeetingsHOMDinformedtheNKEthatNISIToffices and Laboratories have been closed by the Landlord of the premises where NISIToperatesbecauseofnon-paymentofrent implyingthatNISTwasnotoperationalforalmostoveronemonth.NKE considered the above striking development as absurd and unfortunate as it hadimplicationsonservicesrenderedbyNISITtotheoveralleconomyandFoodexportsofPNGtointernationalmarketsasexplainedbelow.

a) RolesandresponsibilitiesofNISITinFoodSafety

NISITAct1993providesforabout36functionsofNISITintheeconomyofthecountryinareasof standardization, metrology in industry, traceability of National measurements tointernational measurements, certification of food systems (HACCP) and other sectors inindustry, internationalaccreditationschemetopromoteexportsofqualityandsafefoods inbrief. In this regard NISIT has four divisions namely; laboratory Accreditation scheme,certificationofQuality systems includingHACCP in food industries,metrologyandTechnicaladvisoryservices.

b) Findings

NKEwasinformedthatNISITAct1993hadnotbeenreviewedsince1993andthere was adireneedtoamendthesaidActtoprovideforemergingissuesin standardization, domesticandInternationaltrade.

RECOMMENDATIONS:I)TheNKEthereforerecommendstheGovernmentfacilitatesNISITtoreviewtheNISITAct,1993inordertoaddresstheemergingissuesinInternationalstandardization.ii) The NKE also recommends that Government should facilitate NISIT to be a participatingMember of ISO in order to benefit from advantages of being a participating member. Thebenefits includes among others capacity building accorded to developing countries under ISOCommitteeonDevelopingCountryMatters(DEVCO).

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• NISITundertakessystemsvoluntarycertificationschemelikeHACCPinfoodindustry.Howeverlikemostofstandardizationbodieswhichundertakeproductcertificationschemestopromotecompetivenessinlocalindustries,NISITwasnotundertakingthisroleinPNGindustries.Manydeveloping countries have taken advantage of implementing ISO 17065: 2012 ConformityAssessment-Requirements for bodies certifyingproducts, processes and services, toprovidethird party certification of locally produced goods and processes ofmanufacture to ensurefoodsafety.InthisregardNISITwouldissueapermittouseNationalQualityMarkasasignof compliance to PNG food Standards. The third party certification scheme would bemandatoryforallfoodproductsenteringPNGasinmostdevelopingcountries.

iii)NKErecommendstotheGovernmenttofacilitateNISITtoestablishtheThirdPartyCertificationSchemebasedonISO17065:2012.

• NKEnotedthatNISITisacorrespondingmemberofISOandnotafullmemberasitisinmost

developing countries. Being a fullmember of ISO, countries get benefits like access to ISOstandards,opportunitiesforcapacitybuildingandotherstakeholdersinfoodstandardization,participationintheISOelaborationofstandardscommitteestomentionafew.

• NKE was informed that since 1993, the workforce of NISIT has been at twenty five (25)

members of staff and a review is being undertaken to increase the staff members to twohundred and fifty (250). Insufficiency of staffmembers hinders delivery of services. It notsurprising that someof the laboratories visted complainedof poor responses fromNISIT inaccreditationservices.

• ElaborationofPNGfoodstandardsandotherstandardstoexpectedlevelis lowbecausetheinstitutionhasonlyonememberofstafftocoordinatetheelaborationofnationalstandards.Elaboration of standards is a much involving activity requiring convening of various sectortechnicalcommitteesofstakeholders,elaborationofnationalstandardsbasedonconsensusprinciple,notificationofstandardsinternationallyandverymanyotheractivities. Thefactisstandards elaboration is a core activity for any institution undertaking standardization andconformity assessment such as accreditation, certification and metrology as is the case ofNISIT.NationalFoodsafetystandardshaveimplicationsineffectivecontroloffoodhazardsinthefoodchainsinceinmostcasestheyareofmandatorynature.

• NISITaccreditationscheme;PapuaNewGuineaLaboratoryAccreditationScheme(PNGLAS)is

the national accreditation body that assesses and accredits testing and calibrationlaboratories.Theinstituteestablishedanaccreditationservice,whichhadmutualrecognitionarrangementwith theNationalAssociationofTestingAuthority,Australia (NATA) systembyaccrediting laboratories operated by manufacturing industries, government departments,educational institutions and commercial consultants. The schemewas voluntary and has aMutual Recognition Agreement (MRAs) with Asian Pacific Laboratory AccreditationCooperation(APLAC).

• The Head ofMetrology Department (HOMD), NISIT narrated to NKE the problems PNGLAS

accreditationSchemewascontinuallyfacingtofulfilltherequirementofAPLAC.ItwasnotedthatPNGLASfailedtofulfilltherequirementsof APLACsuchas;failuretomaintainthewebsite because NISIT had been locked out of the building for some time because of non-payment of rental fees, inadequate assessors to undertake assessment of laboratories, andfailure to take corrective measures on non-compliance raised by APLAC in previous peerreviewassessmentstomentionafew.NKEwasinformedthatAPLAChadrequestedNISITto

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applyforavoluntarysuspensionandre-applylaterwhennon-complianceswerecorrectedtoresumetheaccreditationstatus. ThecollapseofPNGLAS scheme impliedthataccreditedfoodlaboratoriesbyNISITwouldloseinternationalrecognitionintheexportoffoodproducts.iv) The NKE recommends to TRA 2 and the Government to intervene in salvaging theAccreditation Status of NISIT urgently as the collapse of Accreditation has a lot ofimplicationsinthefoodindustryandexportsectoroffoods.

• The NKE was informed that NISIT was being housed in rented premises that affects theintegrityandcredibilityofNISITcalibrationlaboratory.TheNKEnotedthatnon-fulfillmentofrequirements of ISO 17025 in respect of accommodation and environmental requirementswas likely to affect the integrityofPNGprimarymeasurements.NISITneededapermanenthometoinstallcalibrationequipmentwhichrequirespecializedstoragetokeeptheintegrityand traceability of measurements as required by International Norms of the BureauInternational des Poids etMesures (BIPM) - International BureauofWeights andMeasures(PIPM)inEnglish;whereallmeasurementsaretracedintheworld.NKEnotedthatthecurrenthousingarrangementofNISITinrentedpremiseswilllikelyaffectthetraceabilityandIntegrityof PNG primary measures. The loss of accreditation status is also likely to affect themeasurementsinfoodlaboratorieswhichgetcalibrationservicesfromNISIT.

• TheHOMDrevealedthatNISIThadprocuredveryexpensiveMassiveCompressionCalibration

equipment from USA that needs a heavy concrete vertical installation into two floors of abuilding. TheMassiveCompressionmachine couldnotbe installed in a rentedbuilding andwaslyingidleinstoresuptonow.

V)TheNKE recommend that theGovernment shouldbuildapermanenthome forNISIT tohousesensitivePrimaryNationalMeasurementstandardsasrequiredbyInternationalBureauofWeightsandMeasures(BIPM).

• NISITalsoexpressedwillingnesstoenterinMoUswithotherSPSagenciesinordertoenhancecollaborationonfoodsafetymatters.

3.2.4ConsultationswithDepartmentofHealth(DOH)andNationalSanitation Council(NFSC).

• On 8th September 2017, theNKE held a shortmeetingwith officials of the Department of

Health (DOH)at theiroffices inPOM. Theofficials includedtheHeadofPolicyDepartment,SecretaryofFoodandSanitationCouncilandtwootherSeniorOfficials.

• TheNKE briefed themeeting on the TRA2 ToRs of the SPS expert. The Secretary of NFSCinformed the meeting that FSC is not operational because it (NFSC) had not beenreconstitutedsinceearlythisyear.TheHeadofHealthPolicyDepartment,DOHinformedthemeetingthatDOHhadreviewedtheFoodandSanitationCouncilAct,1991andcameupwiththeDraftFoodControlBill.

• TheHeadofDepartmentHealthPolicyDivisionpromisedtoavail thesaiddraftBill latertotheNKE.EffortstoobtaintheDraftFoodControlBillwerefruitlessfromDOHdespitemanyremindersbyNKEandTD

3.2.5ConsultationwithNationalAgriculturalResearchInstitute(NARI)

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On 29th August 2017, the NKE briefly met with the Director of the National AgricultureResearchInstitute(NARI)attheTradeDivisionoffices.TheDirectorwhowasonleaveatthattimepromisedtoavailhimselfafterleave.EffortstogettheNARIofficialwerefutiledespitenumerousremindersonemails.

3.2.6 ConsultationwithThePNGUniversityofTechnology(Unitech),LaeOn14thSeptember2017,TRA2teamtouredtheUnitechlaboratoriesandhadameetingwithmembersofstaffofAppliedSciences,UNITECHafterthetour.

a) RoleofUNITECHintestingforFoodSafety

• ASeniorOfficialfromFoodandTechnologySectionoftheDepartmentAppliedSciencesof

PNGUniversityofTechnology (UNITECH)wasamongparticipantswhoattendedboth thetraining of inspectors’ session and the Dialogue Consultation of Academia with Industryfrom12thto14thSeptember2017.TheofficialthereforeinvitedtheTRA2TeamtovisittheApplied Science facilitieswith the viewof sharing experienceswith theNKE and TradeDivisionTeam(TRA2).TheTRA2Teamtouredthefollowingtestingfacilitiesandsections;Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, Environmental monitoring and other biologicalsciences.TheTeamalsovisitedthecommercialarmoftheUniversity’stestinglaboratorynamely;theNationalAnalyticalandTestingServicesLaboratory.

• NationalAnalyticalandTestingServicesLaboratory (NATSL)hadbeenaccreditedbyNISIT

anditspermitexpiredin2016.NISIThasnotbeenabletoofferservicesforrenewalofthepermitmost probably because of inadequate accreditation services (at NISIT) and/or its(NISIT)inabilitytocoverthewholecountry.

• NATSL has capabilities of offering a wide range of testing services to clients including

environmental and geochemical analysis. Environmental testing includes water qualityvariables (sewage, industrial wastes and effluents, drinking water and natural waters)whichincludecyanideanddrinkingwaterqualitycompliances.

• Inregardtofoodtesting,NASTLcoversawiderangeoffoodproximateandmicrobiological

analyses (toxins) including moisture, protein, fat and fatty acids. The samples fromcommercialclients range frommeal feeds,cookingoils,cannedandprocessed foodsandalcohols.

TheNKEassessedthefollowingstrengthsoftheAppliedSciencesDepartmentwhichTRA2shouldtakeinterestinstrengtheningcapacitiesatUnitech:

• The microbiology Laboratories have ample space and testing facilities to expand to fully

fledgedlaboratoriestomeetthedemandsofthefoodindustry,especiallyinexportinspectionofCoffeeandFishandFisheryproductsfromLaeandbeyond.ItisimportanttonotethattheFish Processing Industry expressed frustration due to cumbersome problems of sendingsamplestoPOManddelaysinobtainingofficialcertificatesfromNationalFisheriesAuthority.

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• Theuniversitystaff interactedwithexhibitedhighprofessionalismintheirworkandhadthedesire to extend their microbiological tests to industries. The Department expressedopportunism of getting their microbiology laboratories expanded to test a range ofmicrobiological tests. Regarding this typeofstrength,UnitechshouldhavepriorityofbeingofferedfurthertechnicalassistancebytheTRA2project.

• UNITECH had sufficient manpower to undertake microbiology tests including research and

undergraduatestudentsbeingtrainedattheUniversity.EquippingthelaboratorieswithstaffcompetencestrainedattheUniversitywouldthereforenotneedalotofinvestments.

RECOMMENDATION:i) It is therefore recommended that the Government should take advantage of the strengthsmentioned above to transform the Unitech Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, andEnvironmentalmonitoringlaboratoriesintoacommercialservicefacility.

• Unitechhasthecapabilitytoassist inqualitymanagementforFoodAlliedIndustriesLtdand

CompetentAuthoritiesundertaking foodcontrol. TheUniversityhason-goingshortcoursesonfoodsafety.

b) WeaknessesidentifiedinUNITECHFoodLaboratories

NKE noted that the Microbiology Laboratory had gaps in meeting the requirements of ISO17025:2005Requirementsforcompetenceoftestingandcalibration.TheNKEalsonotedthefollowingweaknesses;

• Therewasaneedtoundertakecalibrationofallscientificequipmentinalllaboratories.

• Training of technical staff to operate advanced equipment like High Performance LiquidChromatographyandotherswasrequired.

• TheMicrobiologyLaboratoryneededtodevelopStandardProceduralManualswhichshouldbedoneinnearfuture.ThereforetherewasaneedtoundertakeexternalmockauditsagainsttherequirementsofISO17025standardtoidentifythegapstobeaddressed.

RECOMMENDATIONS:tostrengthenUNITECHLaboratoriesDuring discussions between the Senior Staff of theDepartment of Applied Sciences,UNITECHandTRA2teamthefollowingwererecommendedasawayforward:

I. The Government should transform the Applied Sciences Department’s Microbiology,

Biochemistry, Chemistry and Environmental monitoring laboratories into an accreditedcommercialservicefacility.

II. The Government should assist in the technical capacity building for the staff including

researchandtraining.

III. TheGovernmentshouldstrengthentheshortcoursesonFoodSafetythattheDepartmentofAppliedSciences,UNITECHofferstotheFoodIndustries.

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IV. TRA 2 project should support the gap analysis, needs assessments and pre audits (MockAudits) on laboratories mentioned above against ISO 17025: 2005 - Competencerequirements for testing and calibration laboratories, in order to commence the roadmaptowardaccreditation.

3.2.7 ConsultationwiththeDepartmentofAgricultureandCodexContactPoint

On30thAugust2017,theNKEvisitedtheDepartmentofAgricultureandLivestock(DAL)andmetwith the Director of the Department of Agriculture, Science and Technical Branch andProgrammeManager,CodexContactPoint.

a) RolesofCodexContactPointinFoodSafety

The officials above informed the NKE that the roles of the National Codex Committee(NCC)wereasfollows:

• TheNational Codex Committee had been established by theNEC decisionNo.132/2003specialmeeting No, 32/2003 to carry out functions of Codex Alimentarius Commission.WiththatDecision,DALwastaskedtohosttheCodexContactPointandtheSecretariatasstipulatedinCodexdocumentALINORM99/15.

• NCCwascomprisedofvariousfoodstandardsstakeholdersanditsfunctionincludes;thedevelopment of aNational Food Safety Policy, initiate, collaborate, coordinate, link andreview all food standards work undertaken in PNG taking into account of the CodexStandardsandotherinternationalStandardsamongotherfunctions.

• TheCodexContact point acts as the link between theCodexAlimentariousCommissionandPNGstakeholdersofCodexStandardsinPNG.TheCCPactsasachannelforexchangeof information between; the food industries, consumers, traders, other relevantstakeholdersandCodexAlimentariousCommissionstandardssettingsystems.

b) FindingsrelatedtoFoodSafety

The ProgrammeManager, CCP informedNKE that dissemination of relevant informationrelatedtofoodstandardsdevelopmentfromCodexAlimentariousCommission(CAC)hadalotofchallenges.TheProgrammeManagercitedlackoffeedbackpositionsfromtheFoodStandards stakeholders on standards developed by CAC as a setback because theconnectionbetweenCACandPNGFoodstakeholderswasgettinglost.InthisregardPNGpositionsofdevelopmentofworldwidefoodstandardswerenotbeingtakenintoaccountespeciallyonfoodcropsgrowninthecountry.

RECOMMENDATIONS:i)NKErecommendstotheGovernmenttostrengthenCCP inordertocreateawarenessonthe importance and implications of PNG’s participation worldwide in food standardsdevelopment.

ii)NKErecommendstoGovernmenttoestablishSPSEnquirypointinPNGandCCPwouldbeplacedasSPSEnquiryPointforPNG.

3.2.8 ConsultationwithKokonasIndastriKoporesenofPNG(KIK)

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a) ChallengesforPNGCopratoenterInternationalMarketsespeciallytheEU

On 26th September 2017, NKE had interaction with the Project Planner, KokonasIndastriKoporesnofPNG(KIK)onchallengesKIKwasfacingregardingexportingCocoaandderivedproductsinEU.TheProjectPlannerKIKnarratedtotheNKEasfollows:

• There were two important copra production issues relating to unacceptable levels ofcontaminantsinPNG.

i) ThefirstissueisrelatedtothesmokeCOPRAproducesbydryingcopraoveropenfire.Thisreducesthequalityofcoprasubstantially. Smokingcoprahasalwaysbeenatoppriorityissueinthecoconutindustryovertheyears.

Ii) The second issue regards copra with high moisture content caused by lack ofunderstandingofproperdryingcycleswhiledryingcopra.KIKmentionedthatproperlydried copra should contain between 6% – 7% moisture content as the acceptablemoisturelimitsirrespectiveofthedryingmethods.

The main reasons for smoke copra and copra with high moisture content had importantconcernsintheglobalcoconutmarketsandtheseinclude:

• The European Union (EU) countries banned import of copra oil or copra meal fromcountriesthatcontinuetodrycopraoveropenfireusingfirewoodoroff-cuttimber.

• Thedryingofcopraoveropenfireintroducesdioxinintocopraorthedriedkernelwhichisdifficulttoremovefromcrudecopraoil.Itiscostlytoremovedioxinsubstanceasitrequiressophisticatedequipmentforitsremoval.

• AnothercontaminantofinternationalconcerninfoodisAflatoxinwhichisproducedbyAspergillus.flavus fungus (moulds) incoprawithhighmoisturecontent (i.e.more than8%). Mould formation in copra with high moisture content is accelerated by highhumidityduringstorage,orifthecopraisexposedtorainduetopoorstoragefacilitiesandhandlingtechniques.EUcountriescanonlyacceptcopramealwithaflatoxinlevelsat5ppborless.EUcountrieshavestoppedbuyingcopramealproducedinPNGbecausePNGregistershigherlevelsabove5ppb.

Inviewoftheabove,KIKproposedaveryimportantinterventionwhichcouldbepickedupbyEUortheGovernmentoranyDevelopmentPartner.KIKhasproposedtoEUtointervenebysupportingproperwaysofaddressingproblemsofusingsmokingprocessfordryingasfollows:

i) Low cost copra dryers be developed andmade available to local copra producers inruralareas.

ii) TrainingonGoodAgriculturalPracticesandGoodHandlingPracticesofCoprasuchasproperharvesting,de-huskingorsplitting,processinganddryingtechniques.

Whilst KIK has implemented controls, KIK Inspectors performed quality checks for coprabefore export with some success to reduce the incidence of aflatoxin and dioxincontamination. KIK suggested that there was a need to develop a suitable framework forcontaminantriskmanagementinthecoconutindustryvaluechain,especiallyforcopra.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

i) It isthereforerecommendedthatTRA2supportsKIK inashorttermormediumtermtodeveloppilotlowcostcopradryersfordemonstrationtolocalcopraproducersinruralareas.

ii) It isalso recommended that theGovernment supports thedevelopmentofmassive lowcostdriersincludingtraininginpostharvestcopraGoodAgriculturalpractices.

iii)NKE recommends toEU to invoke theTechnicalAssistance clauseofSPSandTBTWTOAgreementstoassistPNGinovercomingchallengesfacedbyPNGespeciallyinvestinginlowcost driers, training local farmers in use of appropriate technology and undertakingcontaminantriskmanagementincoconutindustry.

3.3. RevisedSPSPolicy 3.3.1ReviewoftheSPSPolicy2011

TheNKEreviewedtheSPSPolicy2011documentandmadethefollowingobservations:• The SPS Policy 2011 document seemed to be a publicationDOAL focused on agriculture

productionandontheroleofNationalCodexCommitteeasmentionedabove.TherewasamissinglinktootherSPSagenciesespeciallypolicyimplicationsontheroleofDOHinSPSmatters.

• In the SPS Policy 2011 document; the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats(SWOT) in the situational analysis weremixed up. Policy needs to clearly and preciselypoint out issues to deal with in SWOT in order to clearly define the policy direction ofinterventionsonSPSmattersinPNG.

• TheissueofaddressingFoodbornesurveillanceswasnotveryprominent,maybebecause

theSPSPolicy2011wasdevelopedwithmuchemphasisonFoodchainbasedAgriculture.

• It isacommonpracticethatPoliciesarereviewedafterthree(3)ortwoyear’sintervaltoevaluate the implementation status. The purpose of evaluation should be to identifychallenges,addressemergingissuesoverthelast3yearsandupdatinginformationinthepolicy document to be relevant to the prevailing situation. In the SPS Policy 2011document,itwasprovidedthatthereviewofthepolicywouldbeundertakenin2014and2017. NKEwas informedbyDOALthat thedocumenthadnotbeenreviewed. Itwas forthisreasonthatNKEliaisedmuchwithDOALduringthemissiontogetabestapproachtothedocumentbeingviewedaccording to theSPSPolicy2011as stated in theToRs. ThepointonReviewofSPSPolicy2011isdiscussedbelow.

• TheSPSPolicy2011documentdetailsmuchon theestablishmentof theNationalCodex

Committeeanditsfunctions.LittleismentionedontheroleofIOEandIPPCandyet,PNGis a delegatemember of these organizationsmentioned above. In its functions, NAQIAwhichisunderDOALusesIOEandIPPCguidelinesinitsoperations.

• The Government policies mentioned in the document have been overtaken by newer

policiesfrom2015to2030.AtpresentsomeofthedataintheSPSPolicy2011isold.Itismostlikelybecausethedocumenthadnotbeenreviewedeversinceitwaspublished.

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3.3.2ProposedFrameworkforSPSPolicyFramework,2017HavingnotedtheabovegapsinthePolicy2011document,NKEfounditnecessarytohaveaseriesofmeetingswithDAL.DALagreedthattheSPSPolicy,2011couldnotbereviewedintheshortesttimeprovidedtotheNKEas itneededamoreconsultativeprocess toupdate thedocument since ithadnotbeen reviewed. The NKE used different SPS Policies obtained from various Web Sites toundertakethegapanalysisofSPSPolicy,2011documentinmeetingswiththeofficialsofDAL.TheconsultivemeetingscameupwiththeSPSPolicy2017,FrameworkappendedinAppendix11.DALrecommendedtoTRA2tofacilitatethefollow-uponfurtherreviewofSPSPolicy2011usingtheappendedSPSPolicyframework,2017assoonaspossible

3.4. Inter-AgencyMOUs

• During the consultations with the SPS agencies, NKE took the opportunity to seekviewsonissuespertainingtocollaborationandcooperationamongSPSagencies.Mostoftheagencieswerepositiveontheissuepertainingtocooperationandcollaborationinfoodsafetymatters.

• CPHLsoughttoenterintoMoUswiththeProvincialDepartmentsofHealthinorderto

getcoordinatedonfoodsamplecollectioninthewholecountry.

• OtherSPSagenciesNKEmethighlypreferred tomakeMoUswithCustomsAuthoritybecause of the desire to achieve effective control of food imports and exports atcontrolpoints,suchasPortsandtheInternationalAirportsinthecountry.

NKEthereforedraftedtwotypesofMOUsforconsiderationbyCA,NAQIAandCPH. 3.4.1 DevelopmentofInteragencyMoUModelbetweenCentralPublic

HeathLaboratoriesandHealthAgenciesinProvinces.TheproposedMoUbetweenCPHLandotherDOHprovisionalagenciesisheretoappendedinAppendix4.TheDraftMoUwasformallycommunicatedtoCPHLbyTDforconsideration.

3.4.2 DevelopmentofInteragencyMoUModelbetweenNAQIAandCustoms…. Andothers.

TheproposedMoUbetweenCAandNAQIAisheretoappendedinAppendix4.TheDraftMoUwas formally communicated to CA and NAQIA by KE for follow up. The KE has personallytakenupthematterofadvancingthecollaborationofCAwithotheragenciesbyliaisingwithCAandNAQIAofficials.

3.5. GuidanceManualsandothertechnicaldocuments

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3.5.1 DevelopmentofTrainingMaterialsforFoodInspectors

As mentioned in the methodology of work, NKE developed the following powerpointpresentationpapersonthefollowingtopics:i) TheRoleofFoodInspectorsandtheauditingforFoodSafetyCompliance.ii) TheRoleofDocumentationinTraceabilityintheFoodChain.iii) TechniquesinFoodSampling.iv) TheRoleofGovernmentandindustryinensuringfoodsafetyinPNG.v) GuideonFoodimportandexportcontrol.vi) OverviewonISO22000-FoodQualityManagement-Requirementsforanyorganizationin

thefoodchain.vii) OverviewonISO17025-Generalrequirementsforcompetenceoftestingandcalibration

oflaboratories.ThepresentationsareheretoappendedtoasAppendix5.

3.5.2 DevelopmentofGuidetoTailoredCoursesforFoodIndustrybetweenFoodIndustry

andAcademiaTheNKEdevelopedacasestudyandaquestionnaireastoolkitstoguidethedevelopmentoftailoredcoursesforfoodindustryandgovernmentagencies.ThesaiddocumentswereusedindialoguesessionmeetingsbetweenFood Industry,GovernmentSPSagenciesandAcademia.TheGuidesareheretoappendedasAppendix6.

3.6 EvidenceofCapacityBuildingamongstGovernmentOfficialsonEnforcementofFoodSafety

andSPSinPNG 3.6.1TrainingofFoodInspectors

• As elaborated in themethodology of work, the NKE prepared the trainingmaterials of

inspectorstosuitabroadperspectiveofInspectorsincludingQualityAssuranceinspectorsinprivatefoodprocessingindustries,Governmentfoodcontrolagencies,localauthoritiesandenvironmentalHealth inspectors.TheNKEusedaparticipatoryapproachthroughoutthe training by having interactive discussions on; the expectations of participants,knowledgeonbasic principlesof inspection, auditing, daily routinework, techniquesofsampling food stuffs and feeds in the food chain, and knowledge of International foodstandardsamongothers.

• The NKE also prepared exercises in reference to the UK Food Standards Act 1990

inspection checklists. This generated plenary discussions on recommendations forimprovingPNGfoodchain.AfterthetrainingtheParticipantswereawardedcertificatesofparticipation.ThemodelcertificateisappendedinAppendix9.

Other appended training documents are; Programme of training in Appendix 8 andtrainingevaluationforminAppendix9.

3.6.2 TrainingofFoodSafetyInspectorsinLae

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ThetrainingofFoodInspectorsinLaewasheldfrom12thto13thSeptember2017attheLae InternationalHotel. Itwas attendedby 12 participants from Frabelle Fish IndustriesLtd, International Food Corporation Ltd, Coffee Industrial Corporation Ltd (CIC), ThreeRosesFlourLtd,NuiginiTableBirdsLtd,NationalAnalyticalTestingServiceLaboratoryofUNITECH,DepartmentofAppliedSciences,andPNGUniversityofTechnology (UNITECH)Lae. The scanned copy of participants is hereto appended in Appendix 7 containing allparticipantstrainedinFoodInspectioninthreeprovinces.

a) Foodsafetyissuesraisedduringtraining

Theworkshopnotedthefollowing:

• The Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd responsible for coffee quality control in the

countryhasinstitutional inadequacies; likelackof laboratoryandequipmentforfoodsafetyanalysis,especiallytestingofmycotoxinssuchasachrotoxinincoffeeexportedoutofthecountry.Thelaboratoryatthemomentwascarryingoutorganoleptictestsonly(usinghumansensessuchassmellingandmouthtests)oncoffeeexports.

• In the previous years, Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd had acquired a High

PerformanceLiquidChromatography (HPLC) testingmachine formycotoxins fromEUfunding;butithasbrokendownandhasnotbeenrepairedup-to-date.

• The workshop was of the view that there was a delay in repealing the Food and

SanitationAct1991,whichwasasetbacktothefoodsafetychaininPNGespeciallyinmeetingtheinternationalfoodsafetymarketrequirements

• Therewasaneedtoattractinvestmentofprivatelaboratoriesandinspectionservices

tocomplementthepublictestingfacilitiesandshipmentinspectionservicessuchPre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) as it is implemented inmost developingcountriestoreduceimportationofunsafefoods.

b)RECOMMENDATIONS:oftheTrainingWorkshop

• Taking into consideration the strategic importance of coffee industry in national

economy the workshop recommended to the Government that Coffee IndustryCorporationLtdshouldbestrengthenedtoacquire internationalaccreditationsoastoimproveitseffectivenessinthecontrolofthequalityofcoffeeexportedfromPNG.

• The Government should equip CIC laboratories with facilities to test mycotoxin as

required in internationalmarkets. Furthermore theexisting laboratories capableoftestingmycotoxinsshouldbestrengthenedinthecountry.

• The industry recommended to the Government to make mandatory for all food

industriestogetHACCPcertification

• In the export and import food sector, theworkshop recommended introduction ofprivate pre-shipment verification of conformity especially where PNG needs suchservicestocontrolimportationofunsafefoodsinPNG.Inthisregardthegovernment

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should seek to collaborate with worldwide inspection agencies like SGS ofSwitzerland,IntertektestingLtdinU.K,BureauVeritasinFranceamongothers.

• The Government should support PNG University of Technology Laboratories toincreasecapacityfortestingservicestoindustryandpublichealth

• It was recommended that UNITECH should be supported by the Government and

Development Partners to carry out a range of training in the industry of foodoperatorsandpublicservantsrelatedtofoodsafetychaincontrol.

3.6.3 TrainingofFoodSafetyInspectorsinKokopo,RabaulEastNewBritain Province

ThetraininginKokopowasheldatGazelleInternationalHotelfrom22ndto23rdSeptember2017.Itwasattendedby20ParticipantsfromNationalDepartmentofHealth,DepartmentofAgriculture,NationalFisheriesAuthority (NFA),andNAQIAamongothers.ThescannedcopyofparticipantsisheretoappendedinAppendix7.

a) FoodSafetyissuesnotedduringTrainingWorkshopTheTrainingworkshopnotedthefollowingissues:

• ThefunctionsandobjectivesoftheproposedNationalFoodAgencyshouldbeclearlyoutlined

toavoidduplicationandoverlappingwiththeexistingSPSrelatedagencies.

• TheProvincialofficialswereoftheopinionthatGovernmentpoliciesfromPOMwerenotwellcommunicatedtoprovincesandcitedDOHasanexample.

• The workshop noted that DOH was preoccupied with other health issues such as Primary

HealthcareandHospitals.Therefore,FoodSafetyissueswerenotgivenproperattentiontheyrequireontheNationalLevel

• The officials from National Health Departments in provinces welcomed the idea of the

establishmentofaNationalFoodSafetyAgencyandrequestedTRA2topursuetheissuewiththeGovernmentofPNG.

• Theworkshopsuggestedthat infuturethetrainingshouldbespecifictosectorsupplychain

forthebenefitofgrassrootstakeholderssuchasCoconutfarmersandothers.

• Thefish industrynotedthattestingoffisheryproducts isdoneoutsidePNGwhich iscostingthe industry much money. The Government is appealed to intervene by supporting foodtestinglaboratories.

• TheworkshopnotedtheinadequacyofNISITtoprovideaccreditationandcalibrationservices

andrecommendstotheGovernmenttoincreasesupporttoNISIT.

• Itwas recommended thatNISIT should initiate theproductcertificationschemetopromotelocalindustries’foodproducts.

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• The Workshop noted that the National Codex Committee was not disseminating Codex

documents to stakeholders as is required by the Codex Alimentarious Manual; and urgedGovernment to support the Committee to efficiently disseminate Codex documents to thestakeholdersincludingprovinces.

(b) RECOMMENDATIONS:oftheTrainingWorkshop

TheTrainingworkshoprecommendedasfollows:

• Theworkshopnotedthatthedefinitionoftheterm”Food”wasgeneralasisinthecurrentFood and SanitationAct, 1991 and recommended that in the reviewof the saidAct, theterm“food”shouldbedefinedasitisdefinedbyWTOagreement.

• TheGovernmentshouldsupportthePNGNationalActionPlanonAntiMicrobialResistance

surveillancespearheadedbyNAQIAasitisofgreatconcerninternationallyinfoodsafety.

• TheGovernmentshouldreviewthePNGFoodSafetyLegislation(legalframework)andthepoliciesgoverningfoodsafetyandfoodlawinthefoodchain(farmtofork).

• Ontheexportationofpalmoil,theDoHshouldimproveonitscertificationrequirements.

• AFoodSafetyPolicyshouldbedevelopedtoenhancetheeffectiveanduniformenforcement

offoodpoliciesandlawsacrossthecountrysoastosupporttheestablishmentofNationalFoodAuthority.

• The Government should upgrade the current status of the laboratories to meet the

internationalaccreditationrequirementsandencourageregulartrainingofinspectors.3.6.4 TrainingofFoodSafetyinspectorsinPortMoresby(POM)

The Workshop in POM was held on 26 to 27th September 2017 at Lamana Hotel. It wasattendedby12participantsfromDOH,KIK,NFA,ParadiseFoodsandDAL.TheScannedcopyoflistsofparticipantsisheretoappendedAppendix7.

(a) FoodSafetyissuesnotedduringTrainingWorkshop

• NFA raised a concern that attempts to conclude theMoUwith DOH on operational issuesbetweenbothorganizationshadnotbeenrealizeddespitemanyrequeststoDOHtoconcludethematter.

• The representative fromDOH responded on theMoU issue above by promising tomake afollowuponthematter.

• The meeting noted that the communication from DOH on food safety issues to thecountrysidewasinadequateandalotwasdesiredbythepublictobeinformed.

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• TherepresentativefromDOHinformedthemeetingthatDOHhadanMOUwithCustomson

importationofdrugsintothecountry.

• The Workshop noted that the review of Food and Sanitation Act was overdue and thissituationaffectsthewholechaininthefoodcontrol.

• ItwasreportedthataccreditationstatusofNISIThascollapseddueto‘voluntary’suspensionslammedonitbyAPLAC.TheworkshopwasconcernedthatthesuspensionabovewillaffectlaboratoriesaccreditedbyNISITespeciallyintestingforexports

• TheWorkshop noted that public laboratories which had been accredited by NISIT are notproperlymanaging resources obtained from their services. The improper/mismanagementwasreflectedinbreakdownofservices,especiallyatNAQIA,whichisattributedtothelackofthemaintenanceoftestingequipmentusedinspecificfoodtests.Itwasthereforesuggestedthat the management of public laboratories should give priority to maintenance of thelaboratoryequipment.

• TheworkshopnotedthatfoodlaboratoriesatPNGUniversityofTechnology(UNITECH),Lae,has a potential to expand and to meet the testing requirements of the food industry.TthereforeTRAshouldsupportthepre-auditsagainstISO17025asamatterofurgencyintheshortterm.

• TherepealingoftheFoodandSanitationAct1991waslongoverdue.TheworkshopurgedtheDepartment of Health (DOH) to expeditiously take up thematter and the public should beinformed. It was noted that Issues such as accreditation of food laboratories and testingshouldbeaddressedinthereviewofFoodandSanitationAct1991.

• Theworkshopsuggestedthatwhilerepealingthefoodlaws,theterminology“Food”shouldbedefinedinthecontextofPNG.

(b) RECOMMENDATIONS:oftheWorkshopTheParticipantsrecommendedasfollows:(i) TheworkshoprecommendedthattheGovernmentpromotescompetivenessoffood

productsproducedlocallybyprovidingdirecttechnicalassistancetoSMEsinordertoenhanceeconomicgrowth.

(ii) TheworkshoprecommendedtotheGovernmenttoincreaseawarenessinfoodsafetyprogrammesespeciallyatlocallevel.

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(iii) It was recommended that the Public Food Laboratories should coordinate theireffortstooptimizetheirservicesinordertoprotectconsumers.

(iv) On National level, the workshop noted that there were few internationallyrecognizedQualityManagementSystemsAssessorstobehiredbytheaccreditationbody (NISIT) in the assessment of laboratories. Therefore, this is necessitating tosource Assessors from Australia. The workshop therefore recommended that theGovernment should support training of a National poo of assessors to supportaccreditationactivityinthecountry.

(v) TheFoodIndustrywasconcernedthatthelocallyproducedproductswerenotbeing

promoted by Government agencies; such as introducing the “Third Party ProductCertification Scheme”as it is done inmost of developing countries. TheworkshopstronglyrecommendedthatNISITshouldestablishathirdpartycertificationschemeoffoodproductsbasedonISO17065:2012-ConformityAassessment-Requirementsofbodies certifying products, processes and services. It was noted that qualitymarketingof the local foodproducts certificationschemewould increaseconsumerconfidenceandpromotecompetitivenessforPNG.

(vi) The workshop noted that 114 National Standards issued by NISIT were currentlyoutdatedandneededtobereviewedasrequiredby internationalbestpractices. ItwasthereforerecommendedthattheGovernmentshouldsupportNISITinreviewingmost of priority food standards. The participants also requested TRA 2 project tosupportNISITinareasoffoodstandardsdevelopment.

(vii) The workshop also noted that the establishment of a National Food Agency is

overdueandrecommendedtotheGovernmenttoestablishaFoodAgencytosupportthecoordinationoffoodsafetyactivitiesasamatterofpriority.

(viii) The Coconut/Cocoa industry noted that there were idle and malfunctioningequipment at PNG Cocoa and Coconut Institute Ltd in Kerevat, Kokopo, and theeasternprovince.Themeetingtherefore,recommendedthattheInstituteshouldbestrengthenedtoundertaketestingofcoconut,cocoaandderivedproductstosupportthe industry. The participants reiterated that the support to Cocoa and CoconutInstituteLtdwouldreducerelyingonexternaltestingserviceswhicharecostlytothecountry.

(ix) As a short term intervention, the workshop urged TRA2 to support the needs

assessmentofCocoaandCoconutInstituteLtd.(x) The workshop recommended that as a matter of urgency the Government should

intervenetosupportrestorationofNISITaccreditationstatus.

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(xi) The workshop also noted that NISIT being a National Custodian of PrimaryMeasurement Standard Units, it (NISIT) needs a permanent home. This is to helppreservetheintegrityofPrimaryStandardMeasurementUnitsofPNGasrequiredbythe International Measurement Systems. It was therefore recommended that theGovernmentshouldbuildapermanenthomeforNISITas tomeet the internationalstandardsforametrologyinstitute.

(xii) The participants noted that there was a need to equitably distribute food

laboratories in provinces to avoid costly services of sending food samples to foodlaboratories located in Port Moresby. Therefore, it was recommended that theGovernment should support existing food laboratories in the provinces especiallyAcademicInstitutions.

3.6.5 Consultations with Industry and Academia on Development of Tailored Courses for Food

Inspectors 3.6.5.1IntroductiononconsultationsbetweenIndustryandAcademia

The Industryandacademiaplayan importantrole inthefoodchain. Therefore,TRA2tookinterest inensuringNKE termsof referenceentailed interfacingwith the sectorsmentionedabove. The Food Industry employs various people right from casual employees to highprofessionals who are involved in food processing in one way or another. Therefore,enhancingtheirskills in foodprocessingonacontinualbasis isofparamount importancetofoodsafetyofthefoodproductsindustriesproduce.

Asmentionedinthemethodologyabove,NKEpreparedacasestudyontheexperiencesinthehomecountrywhereacademia interfacedwith industrytodeveloptailoredcoursestoassisttheindustry.TheNKEpreparedacasestudyonkeystepstheacademiatakestodevelopthecurriculum.Inaddition,aquestionnairetoolwasdesignedtoassessthetrainingneedsinfoodindustrybeforeconductingthemissioninAugust2017.

TheKeystepstodevelopacurriculumandthequestionnairetoidentifythetrainingneedsinfoodsafetychainisappendedinAppendix3.

TheNKEwouldfirst introducetheabovementioneddocumentstotheconsultationmeetingwith the view of sharing experiences. Thereafter the participants would also share theexperiences,challengesandproposeonthewayforwardtowardscollaborationintailoringthetrainingofindustryfoodoperators.

3.6.5.2ConsultationswithIndustryandAcademiainLae

TheConsultationmeetingwasheldatLaeInternationalHotelon14thSeptember2017.Itwasattended by 12 participants from Frabella Fish Industries, International Food Corporation,Coffee Industry Corporation, Ltd (CIC), National Analytical Testing Services Laboratory ofUnitech, Three Roses Flour Ltd, Niugini Table Birds Ltd, Applied Sciences, Unitech andUniversityofGoroka.ThescannedcopyofparticipantsisheretoappendedtoasAppendix7.

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The Academia and Industry commended the approach used by the NKE to facilitate theconsultation meetings. The Academia pledged to review the questionnaire in order toenhancethealreadyexistingapproachtowardsofferingshortcoursestotheFoodindustry.

TheUnitechofficialreportedthattheDepartmentofAppliedSciencesoffersshortcoursesforfood industry at three different levels in food science and technologywhich are practicallyoriented,leadingtotheofferofcertificates.Challengesidentifiedduringtheconsultations(Findings)

• ItwasreportedthatinLae,therewasnoaccreditedlaboratorytocovertherangeofanalysis

required by the Fish processing industry. It was noted that National Analytical TestingLaboratoryServices (NATSL),aUnitechAppliedSciences laboratorywhichwasaccredited toanalysemetalshadnotreneweditsaccreditationstatussince2016.ThisisduetothefailurebyNISITtoundertaketheassessmentforrenewal.Furthermore,themeetingnotedthattheaccreditation process of NISIT was not responsive enough to meet accreditation needs oflaboratoriesinthecountry.

• Themeetingnotedthatthecostofmaintainingaccreditationinlaboratorieswashighandthe

Government should intervene and subsidize or assist in the accreditation system in thecountry. The benefits of accreditation brings in enhancement of fish market access to theglobalmarket.

• Itwasnotedthat theenvisagedtechnicalassistancebyNFAtosupportUnitech laboratories

wasslowandthemeetingsuggestedtotheGovernmenttoattractinvestmentintheprivatelaboratoriestocomplementthepubiclaboratories.

• TheFishindustrywasfacingchallengesinusingpubliclaboratoriessuchasNAQIA.Thepubliclaboratories were faced with numerous problems like regular breakdown of testingequipments, slow and bureaucratic process of obtaining certificates of analysis forexportation. They (public laboratories) did not consider the implications of the issue ofturnaroundtimethusleadingtoexportperiodlapses,tomentionafew.

RECOMMENDATIONS:oftheMeetingThemeeting therefore recommendedthat, theGovernmentshouldupgradeandequip theUniversityLaboratoriesandotherpubliconestomaintainaccreditationstatus.

Itwasalsorecommendedthatasurveyonthenationallevelbeundertakentoestablishthestatusofthelaboratoriesinthecountry,consolidateinformation,andimprovebothcapacity(trainingofstaff)andinfrastructure.

Itwasnotedthatlowremunerationofstaffinpublicsectorwasbreedinginefficiencyandstaffremunerationshouldbeaddressedasquicklyaspossible.

TheFishindustrywasfacedwithchallengesinsendingsamplesoffrozenfishtoPOMbecauseof delays in flights, costly transportation of samples, and the fish industry does not have afallbackpositionastherearenoaccreditedlaboratoriesinLae.

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TheMeeting noted that there were courses offered by National Fisheries College (NFC) tolower cadre staff of Fish Industry. However, industry noted that thereweremany trainingconstraints including thecollegebeing far,methodsof trainingwerenotappropriate to thesatisfactionofthefishindustry,andthelogisticalarrangementsaccordedtotraineesbyNFCareverypoor.

TheFishindustrywassatisfiedindealingwithUnitechintrainingissuesandrequestedTRA2tofurthersupportUnitechtoundertaketrainingoffoodhandlersintheregionofLae.Itwassuggested thatUnitech tailors courses in a local common language for lower cadres in fishfactories.

The Fish industry pointed out that PNG Customs Authority was slow in responding to theconcernsofEuropeanCompetentAuthoritiesinrespecttoissuingoftheletterofverificationregardingEUR-1CertificateofmovementforfishoriginatingfromPNG. It isacertificateoforigin. The Fish Industry reported that it can take PNG CA 6-12months to respond to theconcernsoftheEUCompetentAuthoritieswhichintheendaffectstheindustrytomeettherequirementsofEUdocumentation.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• The meeting therefore recommended that the Government should upgrade and equipUniversityLaboratoriesandotherpublicagenciestomaintainaccreditationstatus.

• Itwasalsorecommendedthatagapsurveyonnationallevelbeundertakentoestablish

the status of the laboratories in the country, consolidate information and improve bothcapacity(trainingofstaff)andinfrastructure

• Itwasnoted that lowremunerationof staff inpublic sectorwasbreeding inefficiencyand

staffremunerationshouldbeaddressedasquicklyaspossible

• The Fish industry was faced with challenges in sending samples of frozen fish to POMbecauseofdelaysinflights,costlytransportationofsamplesbecausethefishindustrydoesnothaveafallbackpositionastherewereaccreditedlaboratoriesinLae.

• Themeetingnoted that therewere coursesofferedbyNational Fisheries College (NFC) to

lower cadre staff of Fish Industry and industry noted that there were many trainingconstraints includingthecollegebeingfar,methodsoftrainingwerenotappropritetothesastifactionofthefishindustryandthelogisticalarrangementsaccordedtotraineesbyNFCwereverypoor.

• ItwasrecommendedthattheDepartmentresponsibleforPNGCustomsintervenestorectify

the problem of the delay of the issuance of a letter of verification regarding EUR-1CertificateofmovementforFishoriginatingfromPNG.It was also noted that the cost of doing business in PNG was high compared to theneighbouringcountrieslikeFijiandPhilippines,punctuatedwithunreliableelectricitysupply.

The Fish Industry recommended to the Government to make interventions in reviewingchallengesfacedbyinvestorsinFishIndustryassoonaspossible.

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3.6.5.3ConsultationswithIndustryandAcademiainKokopo-Rabaul,EastNewBritainProvince a)Consultationmeeting

TheConsultationmeetingwasheldatGazelleInternationalHotel,Kokopo,andEastProvinceon 22nd September 2017. It was attended by Associate Professor Aisak Pue, Pro ViceChancellorPNGUniversityofNaturalSciencesandEnvironment(UNSE),officialsfromRDTunaCannersLtd,Madang,OfficialsfromRDFishingLtd,Madang,OfficialfromNARI,KervatBranchinKokopo,OfficialfromProvincialHealthDepartmentandofficialsfromTradeDivision.

b)Challengesidentifiedduringtheconsultations(Findings)

NKEusedthesameapproachusedinLaeasstatedabovetoconducttheconsultationmeetingin Kokopo. The official from Fish Industry commended TRA 2 for initiating the dialoguebetween the Industry and Academia. It is a positive way to promote export of quality offisheriesproducts.Prof.AisakofUNSEinformedthemeetingthatUNSEofferson-handpracticaltrainingoffoodhandlers.Thetrainingincludesdetectionofmicrobialcontaminationoffoodhandlingduringprocessing.OfficialsfromRDTunaCannersLtdweresurprisedthatUNSEisofferingtrainingtothefoodIndustry. TheFishIndustryandtheUniversityresolvedtousethequestionnairepresented by NKE and initiate the training of food handlers in the fish industry as soon aspossible.

3.6.5.4ConsultationwithIndustryandAcademiainPortMoresbyTheconsultativemeetingbetweenacademiaandIndustrywasheldatTDboardRoom.Itwasattended by 8 participants from SPS agencies and Food Industry. The List of participants isappendedinAppendix7.Howevertherewasnorepresentativefromacademia.Themeeting recommended TRA to encourage the academia to participate in training foodhandlersinbothpublicandprivateorganizationinfoodsafetybyprovidingshortcourses.

3.6.5.5 Visit toUNSE Campus at Kerevat, Kokopo to familiarizewith Testing and Training

capacitiesoftheUniversityAfterthedialogueconsultationmeeting,theparticipantstouredthetestingfacilitiesatUNSEatKerevat,Kokopo. Prof.Aisak ofUNSEconducted thetouraroundthe laboratorytestingfacilities. The facilities include Organic, Inorganic and Biochemistry laboratories. TheParticipantslaterhelddiscussionswithProf.JohnWarren,ViceChancellorUNSE.

a) ChallengesandgapsobservedatUNSE• TheUniversityhad frequentpower cuts from theNationalpowergridwhichaffected

theoperationsinthetestingfacilitiesoftheUniversity.

• UNSELaboratoriesweremainlyusedforteachingstudents.

• TheLaboratoriesneededrefurbishingasmostofthebuildingsareold.

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• The University has an empty building which could be transformed into a Regional

LaboratoryfortestingofCocoa,Palmoil,andCoconutandderivedproductswhichareprominentlyproducedoncommercialscaleintheregion.

RECOMMENDATION:It was recommended that TRA2 and the Government pick interest in supporting UNSElaboratories as the facilities are capable of carrying out tests on cocoa, coffee, gallip oil,coconut,palmoilandtherelatedproductsintheEasternProvince.TheNKEnotedthatUNSElaboratoriesneededtobeassistedinImplementationofISO17025forthelaboratoriestobeaccreditedasrecommendedabovetoUNITECHLaboratories.

3.6.5.6VisittoNARIfacilityatKerevat,Kokopo

The team of participants of the consultationmeeting of Industry and Academia visited theNARIfacilityatKerevatundertakingresearchinCocoa,coconutandpalmoil.TheUnitvisitedwasresearchingontheviabilityofproducingderivedproductsfromagallipnut/fruitwhichisinabundanceinKokopoarea.Theunithasaprocessingunitandalaboratory.Thelaboratorymainly tests physical parameters of the products like moisture content and other physicalparameter.Theteamwasinformedthatthetrialsinprocessingthegallipfruitwasaimedatreachingextractingoilfromthefruitwiththeaimofexportingtheoil.

ItwasevidentthatNARIKerevathasaverybigspacetotransformtheunitintoabigcentrefor laboratory analysis. Transformation of the gallip processing facilitywould assist farmersandsmallprocessorsofoilseedstousethisunitasatestingfacilityforEastProvince.

3.7.StatisticalEvaluationofTrainingofFoodInspectors

The summary statistical evaluation of the training of Food Safety Inspectors in the threeRegionsofPNGindicatedasfollows:

• 73%of theParticipantsacknowledged that the trainingwassatisfactory (AgreedorStronglyagreed)

• 96%ofParticipantsacknowledgedthattheTrainingMaterialsweresatisfactory• 68.75%ofParticipantsagreedthatthetrainingmettheirexpectations

TheGraphicalEvaluationsofthetrainingoffoodInspectorsareappendedinAppendix10.

3.8.AwarenessWorkshopofGovernmentOfficialsonFindingsoftheMissionandPresentationofthe Draft Strategic Plan Towards Establishment Of A Single Food Safety Agency In PNG - 11thOctober2017AtLamanaHotel,POMThe above Awareness Workshop was held on 11th October 2017 in Lamana Hotel, POM. It wasattendedby25participantsfromSPSagenciesconsultedduringthemissionandfoodindustries.TheobjectivesoftheawarenessworkshopweretoshareviewsonchallengesfacingthePNGFoodControlSystemsandproposedinterventionstostreamlinetheFoodSafetychain.

TheNKEpresentedthefollowingpowerpointpapers:

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• FindingsandRecommendationsbyNKE• OverviewofotherFoodSystemsindevelopingcountries• Presentation on Draft Strategic Plan for Establishing Single Food Safety Agency in PNG,

2018to2023.

Recommendations

Theworkshoprecommendedasfollows:i) TheDOHshoulddisseminatetheFoodControlBilltostakeholdersby17thOctober2017.

ii) TheDOHshouldestablishtheFoodDeskatDOHtocoordinatefoodsafetymattersinPNG

andpursuealltheinitiativesbyTDincludingproposalstoestablishaSingleFoodSafetyAgencyandotheroutcomesofTRA2.

iii) DOH should pursue all the efforts initiated the private sector andmaximize the supportextendedbyprivatesectortowardseffectivefoodcontrolsystem.

iv) MandatoryProvisionsrequiringFoodTestingLaboratoriestomeet internationalstandardsshouldbeincludedintheDraftFoodControlBill.

v) DOHshouldundertakegreaterawarenessraisingandcommunicationonfoodsafetytoallstakeholdersincludingconsumersinthecountry.Therepresentative fromDOHpledgedto followuptherecommendationsof theworkshopwithhisseniorsintheDOH.

TheDraftStrategicPlanforEstablishmentofSingleFoodSafetyAgencyis appended as Appendix12. TheprogramoftheworkshopisappendedasAppendix13.Theawarenessworkshoppowerpointpresentationsarehereto appendedasAppendix14.

3.9.ReviewonmechanismscurrentlyemployedintheinspectionandinterceptionofimportedSPSgoods/foodOn29thSeptember2017,theNKEandKEhadameetingwiththeAssistantCommissioner,CustomsAuthorityinCustomsOffice.TheAssistantCommissionerinformedthemeetingasfollows:

• CAhad aHarmonizationSystemsofCustomsCoding(HSCC)ofTarifficationwhich itusestocollectrevenuesofallproductsimportedandexported

• ThecodesrelatedtoSanitaryandPhytosanitaryproductsweremarkedQRandwerealwaysupdatedbySPSAgencieswhichundertakeFoodInspection

• When the goods entered the Country or were leaving the country, CA would require thatproductsmarkedQRintheTariffCodesbookwerefirstclearedbySPSagenciesauthorizedtoinspectandclear thesaidgoodsof interest toSPSagencies suchasNAQIA,KIK,CIC,DOH,PalmoilBoard.

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• It is when these agencies under their legal mandate gave certification of release that CAwouldreleasethegoods

• CAwas encouraging SPSAgencies to enter inMOUs to increase effectiveness in clearingofgoods. At the time of the visit at CA, theNKEwas informed that CA had a formalwokingarrangement(MOU)withDOHoverDrugsandanotherMoUwithNFAwas infinalstagesofbeingfinalized

• BeforeanyshipslandinPNG,DOHQuarantineservicesfirstclearsthesaidshipsbygivingita“Pratigue”orYellowflagfortheshiptoanchor

• TheSPSAgencieswereexpectedtobelinkedtoAutomatedSystemCustoms(ASYCUDA)ofCAby 2019. The linking to ASYCUDA would ease the tracking and inspection of SPS relatedproductsinPNGundersinglewindowsystem

• PNGhadRegionalMOUswithSolomonIslands,FijiandAustraliaonexchangeofinformation• SomeSPSagencieshadchallengesofInformationTechnologyintheirrespectivesystemsand

whenASYCUDAWorldwasintroduceditwouldeaseclearingofgoods• CAwillhavetotrainBiosecurityagenciestofamializewithASYCUDAworld.

RECOMMENDATION:ItisrecommendedthattheASYCUDAWorldsystembeimplementedsoontoehancemechanismscurrentlyemployedintheinspectionandinterceptionofimportedorexportedfoodproducts,plantsandanimals4.OverviewontheFoodSafetyofPNGInconsiderationofToRsexecutedbyNKE,itisapparentthattheFoodSytemasitisnowhasalotofstructural challenges andmost importantly inadequate political commitment exhibited by delay inamendingnecessaryFoodLegislation.ThedelayoffinalizationofBiosafetyBill,2014from2006uptodateandtherepealingofFoodandSanitationAct,1991,aresomeoftheexamplestomention.ItisthereforeemphasizedthatthepoliticalwillandcommitmentisofparamountimportancetoenablevariousSPSagenciesvisitedtoimplementtherecommendationscapturedinthereport.ThechallengesfortheFoodSafetySystemsrangefrominadequatefundingofinstitutions,breakdownofservices, likesuspensionofPNGLAS,NISITaccreditationscheme, illequipped laboratoriesforcingprivatesectortoseekforexternaltestinginSingapore,tomentionafew.Cocoa,coconutandpalmoilsandcoffeearecropsof strategic importance to theeconomyofPNGfromtheinteractionsNKEhadwithstakeholders.However,itwasfoundthatKIK,CIC,Coconut-CocoaInstitute,NISITareinadequatelyfundedtocarryouttheirstatutoryfunctionsproperly. TheNKEwishestostressverystronglythatDOHshoudgivetheissueoffoodsafetytheattentionitdeserves.Foodbornediseasesareaburdentoanycountrythatcannotpreventfoodharzardsforitspopulation.Therewasageneralcomplaintacrossallthepeoplemetduringthemissionthat,DOHwasnotgivingattentiontofoodsafetyissuesinthecountry.TheNKEnotedthatDOHshouldbeattheforefrontinpromotingfoodsafetymattersbecausetheLegislationmandatesit(DOH)toundertakeFoodControl.EvidenceFoodbornediarrhealdiseasesinthepopulationnarratedbyCPHLshouldbeofinterestforDOHtoinitiate epidemiologicalsurveillanceoffoodbornediseases. Therecommendationsbelowareasummaryofthemanyrecommendations(inbold)capturedaboveinthereport.5.0 CONCLUSION

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In the above report, it is evident that the PNG Food Control System fromof “Farm to Table”wasconstrainedbyalotofchallengeswhichneedtheGovernment’surgentattention.ApoliticalwillandevidenceofcommitmenttowardsaddressingthechallengesmentionedintheReportisofparamountimportance.The TRA2 Project funded by EU should seek high political dialogue to address the constraintsencounteredbySPSagenciesandcapturedinthereport.DOHshouldfollowuptheconclusionofTheDraftStrategicPlantoestablishtheSingleFoodSafetyAgency2018inordertorealizeeffectivefoodcontrolsysteminPNG.Foodislifeandconsumptionoffoodwithhazardsisdetrimentaltolife.TheFoodSafetyconcernspointedoutintheReportshouldbegivenimmediateattentionbytheGovernmentofPNG.6.RECOMMENDATIONSInthissection,NKEpresentstherecommendationshighlightedintheabovereportinasummarizedform below. The sub-sections covers recommendations on; Government Agencies and Institutionsconsulted,trainingworkshopsanddialoguemeetingsbetweenAcademiaandFoodIndustriesandonDraftStrategytoestablishSFSA.6.1 RecommendationsoftheMissionDuringthemission,NKEgeneratedrecommendationsbasedonthefindingsespeciallyonconsultationwith SPS Agencies. Furthermore, during training sessions, dialogue meetings and awarenessworkshop mentioned above, participants were also able to present their views andrecommendations.6.2 GovernmentAgenciesandInstitutionsConsultedOnLegalReforms

• TRA2shouldsupportthefinaldraftingtheDraftBiosecurityBill,2014toitslogicalconclusion.

• Food and Sanitation Regulations, 2007 should be reviewed to provide for changingspecificationsandlimitsoffoodproductsfromtimetotime.

• FoodandSanitationAct,1991hasbeenoverdueforreviewandshouldberepealedassoonaspossibleforsmoothimplementationoftheproposedStrategicPlantoEstablishtheSingleFoodSafetyAgency,2018to2023.

• TheNISITAct,1993shouldbereviewedtoaddresstheemergingtrendsinInternationaltradeandharmonizedtoTBTWTOagreementobligations.

OnNAQIA

• AccreditationstatusofNAQIAlaboratorieswithNISIToranyInternationalaccreditationbodyshould be renewed as soon as possible as its accreditation status has amultiplier effect onexportsandimportsoffoodinPNGandonthenationaleconomy.

OnCPHL

• ComprehensivenationwidesurveyontheprevalenceoffoodbornediseasesespeciallytyphoidandDysenteryreportedbyCPHLinthesocietyshouldbeundertakenandriskanalysisbedone.TheresultsofthesurveywouldjustifytheacceleratedimplementationoftheStrategicPlanto

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establishtheSingleFoodSafetyAgencytoundertakethemonitoringroleofpreventionoffoodhazardsintheFarmtoTablechain.

• Capacitiesof CPHLto monitor foodbornediseasesandRiskManagementoffoodhazardsshouldbeenhancedandstrengthened

• TechnicalandfinancialsupporttoCPHLshouldbeprovidedintheshortesttimetoprepareforaccreditationinfulfillmentoftherequirementsofISO17025andISO15189.

• Itwasnoted thataccreditationofCPHLwas critical in the implementationof theStrategicPlan towards Establishment of SFSA in PNGas CPHLwas a national strategic laboratory inhealthandcontrolofhazardsinthefoodchain.

• CPHLshouldbesupportedtoexpanditstestingcapabilitiesinfoodtestinginChemicalandMicrobiologyandlaboratoryaccommodationspace.

OnNISIT

• NISIT should be facilitated and supported to be a ParticipatingMember of ISO in order tobenefitfromadvantagesofbeingaparticipatingmember,suchascapacitybuildingaccordedtodevelopingcountriesunderISOCommitteeonDevelopingCountryMatters(DEVCO)

• NISIT should be facilitated to establish the Third Party Certification Scheme based on ISO17065:2012requirementsforbodiesprovidingcertificationofproduct,processesandsystemstopromotequalitylocalfoodindustries

• TheGovernmentshouldbuildapermanenthomeforNISITtohousesensitivePrimaryNationalMeasurementstandardsasrequiredbyInternationalBureauofWeightsandMeasures(BIPM).

• TRA2andtheGovernmenttointerveneinsalvagingtheAccreditationStatusofNISITurgentlyasthecollapseofAccreditationhasalotofimplicationsinthefoodindustryandexportsectoroffoods.

OnLaboratoriesofUniversityofTechnology,Lae

• Microbiology,Biochemistry,Chemistry,andEnvironmentalmonitoring laboratoriesshouldbesupported into accredited commercial service facility to serve food industries in Lae andbeyond

• TheshortcoursesonFoodSafety that theDepartmentofAppliedSciences,Unitechoffers totheFoodIndustriesshouldbesupportedbyGovernment

• TRA2projectshouldsupportthegapanalysis,needsassessmentsandpreaudits(MockAudits)on laboratories mentioned above against ISO 17025: 2005 - Competence requirements fortestingandcalibrationlaboratoriesinordertocommencetheroadmaptowardaccreditation

6.3 OnCodexContactPointinDAL

• TheCodexContactPointinDALshouldbefacilitatedandstrengthenedbytheGovernmenttocreateawarenessonthe importanceand implicationsofPNG’sparticipationworldwide foodstandardsdevelopment.

• SPSEnquirypointonSPSWTOAgreementshouldbeestablishedatCCP,DALasafocalpointforSPSenquiriesinPNG

6.4 OnKokonasIndastriKoperesen(KIK)ofPNG

• TRA2shouldsupportKIKinashorttermormediumtermtodeveloppilotlowcostcopradryers

fordemonstrationtolocalcopraproducersinruralareas.

• TheGovernmentsupportsthedevelopmentofmassivelowcostdriersincludingtraininginpostharvestcopraGoodAgriculturalpractices.

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• EUshouldinvoketheTechnicalAssistanceclauseofSPSandTBTWTOAgreementstoassistPNGinovercomingchallengesfacedbyPNGespeciallyinvestinginlowcostdriers,traininglocal farmers in use of appropriate technology and undertaking contaminant riskmanagementincoconutindustry

6.5 OnInter-AgencyMOUs

• TD should followup the conclusionofDraftMOUs finalizedand sent to SPSAgenciesbyNKEespeciallyCA,NAQIA,andCPHL

6.6 TrainingofFoodInspectorsandDialogueMeetingsbetweenAcademiaand UniversitiesThis section summarizesand presents the recommendationspresentedabove in the reportduringtrainingworkshops,dialoguemeetingbetweenFood IndustryandAcademia.The recommendationsaredirectedtotheGovernment.

• Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd should be strengthened to attain InternationalAccreditation so as to improve its regulatory role in coffee sector especially in qualitycontrolofcoffeeexports

• CIC laboratories should be equipped with facilities to test mycotoxin as required ininternational markets and also existing laboratories in the country capable of testingmycotoxinsshouldbestrengthened.

• In food export and Import, the Government should introduce Private Pre-shipmentVerification of Conformity (PvoC) especially where PNG need such services to controlimportation of unsafe foods in PNG. In this regard the Government should seek tocollaboratewithworldwide inspectionagencies like SGSof Switzerland, InterteckTestingLtdinU.K,BureauVeritasinFranceamongothers

• ThePNGNationalActionPlanonAntiMicrobialResistancesurveillanceisspearheadedbyNAQIAasitisofgreatconcerninternationallyinfoodsafetyandshouldbesupported.

• ThePNGFoodSafetyLegislation(legalframework)andthepoliciesgoverningfoodsafetyandfoodlawinthefoodchain,(farmtofork)shouldbereviewedassoonaspossible

• DoHshouldimproveoncertificationrequirementsofexportationofpalmoil• FoodSafetyPolicyshouldbedevelopedtoenhanceeffectiveanduniformenforcementof

foodpoliciesand lawsacrossthecountry tosupporttheestablishmentofNationalFoodAuthority

• Status of the Food Testing laboratories in the country should be improved tomeet theinternationalaccreditationrequirementsandencourageregulartrainingofinspectors

• DirecttechnicalassistanceshouldbeprovidedtoFoodSMEstoenhanceeconomicgrowth• Awarenessinfoodsafetyprogrammesespeciallyatlocallevelshouldbeincreased• TrainingofNationalpoolofassessorstosupportaccreditationactivityinthecountry.• NISIT should be supported to reviewmost priority food standards. The participants also

requested TRA 2 project to support NISIT in area of food standards developmentwherepossible.

• Theworkshopsalsonoted thatestablishmentofNationalFoodAgencywasoverdueandrecommendedtotheGovernmenttoestablishaFoodAgencytosupportthecoordinationoffoodsafetyactivitiesasamatterofpriority.

• TheCoconut/CocoaIindustrynotedthattherewereidleandmalfunctioningequipmentatPNG Cocoa and Coconut Institute Ltd in Kerevat, Kokopo, and Eastern Province. Themeeting therefore recommended that the Institute should be strengthened to undertake

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testing of coconut, cocoa and derived products to support the industry. The participantsreiterated that the support to CocoaandCoconut Institute Ltdwould reduce relyingonexternaltestingserviceswhichwerecostlytothecountry.Asashorttermintervention,theworkshopurgedTRA2tosupportneedsassessmentofCocoaandCoconutInstituteLtd.

• TheworkshoprecommendedthatasamatterofurgencytheGovernmentshouldintervenetosupportrestorationofNISITaccreditationstatus.

• The workshop participants noted that there was a need to equitably distribute foodlaboratories in provinces to avoid costly services of sending food samples to foodlaboratorieslocatedinPortMoresby.ItwasthereforerecommendedthattheGovernmentshouldsupportexistingfoodlaboratoriesintheprovincesespeciallyAcademicInstitutions.Itwasalsorecommendedthatagapsurveyonnationallevelbeundertakentoestablishthe status of the laboratories in the country, consolidate information and improve bothcapacity(trainingofstaff)andinfrastructure

• Ontheremunerationofstaffinpublicsector,itwasnotedthatlowremunerationofstaffinpublic service was breeding inefficiency and staff remuneration should be addressed asquicklyaspossible

• The Fish industry in Laewas facedwith challenges in sending samples of frozen fish toPOM because of delays in flights, costly transportation of samples The Fish IndustryrecommendedestablishmentofFoodLaboratorymeetingFoodSectortestingneeds

• Interventions should be made to facilitate Fish exporters in issuance of letter ofverificationregardingEUR-1CertificateofmovementforFishoriginatingfromPNGasCAwasdelayingtheissuanceoftheaboveletter

• UNSE laboratories’ facilities were capable of carrying out tests on cocoa and derivedproducts,coffee,Gallipoil,coconutderivedproductsandpalmoilandrelatedproductsintheEastonProvinceandtheGovernmentshouldsupportUNSELaboratories

6.7 RecommendationsonDraftStrategicPlantoEstablishASingleFoodSafetyAgencyinPNG Theworkshoprecommendedasfollows:

1. The DOH should disseminate the Food Control Bill to stakeholders by 17th October2017.

2. TheDOHshouldestablishtheFoodDeskatDOHtocoordinatefoodsafetymatters inPNGandpursuealltheinitiativesbyTDincludingproposalstoestablishaSingleFoodSafetyAgencyandotheroutcomesofTRA2.

3. DOHshouldpursuealltheeffortsinitiatedtheprivatesectorandmaximizethesupportextendedbyprivatesectortowardseffectivefoodcontrolsystem.

4. Mandatory Provisions requiring Food Testing Laboratories to meet internationalstandardsshouldbeincludedintheDraftFoodControlBill.

5. DOHshouldundertakegreaterawarenessraisingandcommunicationonfoodsafetytoallstakeholdersincludingconsumersinthecountry.

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ListofAppendicesAppendix1–WorkPlanfortheMissionAppendix2–ListofPersonsMetAppendix3–CaseStudyondevelopmentofCurriculumforFoodCoursesandQuestionnairetoassesstrainingneedsinFoodSectorAppendix4–ProposedMoUsbetweenSPSAgenciesAppendix5–TrainingMaterialsPowerpointsAppendix6–GuideManualfortailoringFoodSafetyCoursesinGovernmentandIndustryAppendix7-ScannedCopiesofParticipantsofTraininginthewholemissionAppendix8-StandardTrainingProgrammeAppendix9-StandardEvaluationFormandCertificateofParticipationAppendix10-StatisticalanalysisofTrainingAppendix11-SPSPolicy2017FrameworkAppendix12-DraftStrategicPlanforEstablishmentofSFSA2018to2023Appendix13-AwarenessWorkshopProgrammeAppendix14-AwarenessWorkshopPowerPointPresentations

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Appendix11A PROPOSED OUTLINE OF THE SPS POLICY 2018 FOR CONSIDERATION:

CHAPTER ONE (1) 1.0 Introduction

- To cover overall SPS Issues in PNG

- Summary of SPS Policy review should include all SPS stakeholders involved Introduction chapter should be short. Information on location of PNG and social economic context should be included in introduction CHAPTER TWO (2)

2.0 THE SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS 2.1 Strengths

2.1.1 Existence of various policies, laws and regulatory framework • Elaborate relevant recent Government policies such as Trade Policy,

Food Security Policy and others, which relate to SPS issues • Efforts shall be made to connect the SPS policy to the existing policies

related to SPS

2.1.2 Existence of basic food standards, SPS measures related Codex, IPPC, OIE • The use of standards SPS measures to set a baseline for implementing

the SPS policy

2.1.3 Existence of various institutions for management of SPS issues • Mention the roles of Agencies on supporting the SPS Policy briefly

2.1.4 Availability of some trained human resources in SPS control

management • NDAL to brainstorm on the capacity on human resources, etc.

2.1.5 Availability of some Laboratories and Scientific Support

Infrastructures • State the roles of the existing food and SPS laboratories; NARI, NAQIA,

DOH , Academia and other

2.1.6 Existence of some Information, Education and Communication (IEC) channels • Enabling environment for mass media that communicate and inform

public on SPS matters

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2.1.7 Goodwill from Development Partners • Brief overview on EU projects, Australian Aid, FAO, WHO and other

Development Partners in SPS Issues • WTO SPS on capacity building

2.1.8 Government commitment to Public Private Partnerships (PPP)

• PPP Policy (DAL to find out) 2.2 Weaknesses

2.2.1 Inadequate SPS Institutional Coordination Mechanisms • State general situations of challenges in SPS agencies on

coordination mechanisms 2.2.2 Weak enforcement Mechanisms

• Inadequacies of legal framework relevant to SPS issues 2.2.3 Inadequate production, Processing and Marketing Infrastructure

• Broad outline of food value chain 2.2.4 Low capacity of the SPS Laboratories

• Broad outline of inadequacies in the laboratories, Research and commercial food testing laboratories

• Accreditation issues e.g. Status of accredited laboratories

2.2.5 Limited Skill Personnel manpower • Broad e.g. Technical Training

2.2.6 Inadequate and inappropriate allocation of financial resources

• Current budget issues

2.2.7 Weak SPS Extension Services to effect GAP (Coverage & Outreach) • The effect of inadequate extension services (how it is making

agriculture advancement weak) • Biosecurity Bill not concluded

2.2.8 Limited science based approaches

• Analyze basing on international standards 2.2.9 Lack of effective information sharing and analysis systems

• Analyze the current situation 2.2.10 Unregulated movement of agricultural produce

• Information sharing inadequate 2.2.11 Low Public Awareness

• Inadequate funding of awareness activities 2.2.12 inadequate implementation of best agricultural best practices

• Situation analysis on mechanism to facilitate extension work

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and its effects on Agriculture in the country (organic law on provisional Government and LLG)

2.3 Opportunities

2.3.1 Existence of the ongoing Regional Integrations and Harmonization of SPS Measures • Melanesian Spearhead Group • South Pacific Forum • South Pacific Community

DAL to state opportunities existing and could be exploited for enhancement of SPS issues in PNG 2.3.2 Availability of International Best Practices that can be tapped

• Codex Committee for North America and S.W Pacific (PNG is a member)

• IPPC, WHO, FAO, OIE, WTO, EU 2.3.3 Technical Cooperation and Membership to International Bodies (for all

stakeholders of SPS not agriculture alone – as above in 2.3.2) DAL to provide information on use of Agro –Chemicals 2.3.4 Goodwill from Development Partners

• EU Projects executed

2.3.5 Availability of Markets (Regional and International) Fish in EU, Coffee in Japan and EU, Cocoa to Switzerland, Palm oil to EU and Japan and China

DAL to obtain figures of exports

2.4 Threats

2.4.1 Changing Consumer Tastes and Preferences (if any) • Review the trends of consumers especially in urban areas • Data required and DAL to make a survey on consumer tastes and

preferences on upcoming fast food outlets

2.4.2 Harmonization of SPS issues • Elaborate on inadequate coordination • Lack of modern law to facilitate harmonization issues

2.4.3 Bioterrorism and emerging global communicable diseases

• Reviews on GMOs in animals feeds, human food, plants and environment

2.5 Coordination with Provisional Government on Government policy implementation

• Review the effects of Organic law on SPS issues

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CHAPTER THREE (3) (DAL Agrees to update the SPS Policy 2011 on this chapter) DAL to align to vision 2050, PNG DSP(2010-2030), National Trade Policy, 2017-2023, National Agriculture Development Plan, Agriculture and Livestock Broad Goal and Broad mission statement 3.0. Policy Vision, Mission and Objectives (PNG specific and elaborated by SPS

stakeholders) 3.1 Policy Vision 3.2 Policy Mission 3.3 Policy Objective

3.3.1 Overall objective

3.3.2 Specific Policy objectives CHAPTER FOUR (4) 4.0 Policy Guiding Principles (SPS WTO Agreement to be referenced) 4.1 Value Chain Approach 4.2 Transparency 4.3 Science Based Risk Analysis (Risk Assessment, Management and

Communication) 4.4 Precautionary Principle 4.5 Public Private Partnership 4.6 Equivalence and Mutual Recognition 4.7 Regional and International Harmonization of SPS Measures CHAPTER FIVE (5) 5.0 Policy Interventions (SPS Stakeholders Consultation) 5.1 Strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for SPS measures 5.2 Support the Private Sector to meet the SPS requirements 5.3 Harmonize National SPS Measures to regional and international requirements

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5.4 Promote awareness on SPS Measures 5.5 Develop and improve SPS Management Mechanisms along the value chain 5.6 Foster coordination and collaboration between and among SPS related

institutions CHAPTER SIX (6) 6.0 PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS AND PRIVATE SECTOR (Stakeholders to

determine) DEVELOPMENT 6.1 Public Private Partnerships 6.2 Private Sector Development CHAPTER SEVEN (7) 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY (DAL to spearhead) CHAPTER EIGHT (8) 8.0 CONCLUSION

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Appendix12

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

INDEPENDENT STATE OF PAPUA GUINEA NATIONAL STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR CREATION OF

SINGLE FOOD SAFETY AGENCY (SFSA)

STRATEGIC PLAN 2018 to 2023

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List of Acronyms

DOH Department of Health CPHL Central Public Health Laboratory FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations GAP Good Agricultural Practices GMP Good Manufacturing Practices HACCP Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points IOE World Animal Health Organization IPPC International Plant Protection Convention ISO International Standards Organization MOU Memorandum of Understanding NAQIA National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority NARI National Agricultural Research Institute NDP National Development Plan NEC National Executive Committee NISIT National Institute of Standards & Industrial Technology NKE Non Key Expert Component 3 PNG Papua New Guinea SFSA Single Food Safety Agency of PNG SDG Sustainable Development Goals SIDA Swedish International Agency for Development SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats WHO World Health Organization WTO World Trade Organization

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Proposed Foreword ………………………………………………………………………………………………..5 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…7

1.2 Justification for Establishment of Single Autonomous

Food Authority …………………………………………………………………………...........................8

1.21 International Scenario regarding the need to establish effective Control System……………………………………….………………………………….8

1.2.2 Justified roles of responsibilities of Single Food Agency (SFSA) of PNG………………………..…………………………………………………………..………9 1.2.3 The Vision of the Government……………………………………………………..………………..10 2.0 SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF EXISTING FOOD SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE IN PNG

2.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………11

2.2 Roles of Multi-sectoral PNG Agencies in Food Control …………………………………………12

2.3 Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the PNG Food Control System……………………………………..................13

3.0 STRATEGIC DIRECTION

3.1 Vision…………………………………………………………………………………….………….…….14

3.2 Mission ………………………………………………………………………………….………………..15

3.3 Broad Objectives………………………………………………………………………………………15

3.4 Goals of the Strategy………………………………………………………………………………...15/16

3.5 Objectives of the Strategy…………………………………………………………………...............16

3.6 Medium Term Strategic Interventions…………………………………………………………..…..16 3.6.1 Thematic Area: Creation of Desk Office under Department of Health (DOH) to coordinate the commencement of the establishment of SAFA………………………………………………………………….…...16

3.6.1.1 Objective 1……………………………………………………………………………….....16

3.6.1.2 Intervention

1…………………………………………………………………………….…....16

3.6.1.3 Activities for Intervention 1 ……………………………………………….…………………………..……...16

3.6.2 Thematic Area 2: Development of Legal Framework to establish SAFA ………………………………...............................................17

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3.6.2.1 Objective 2………………………………………………………………………...17

3.6.2.2 Intervention 2………………………………………………………………………17

3.6.2.3 Activities for Intervention 2………………………………………………………17 3.6.3 Thematic Area 3: Awareness Creation on the roles of SAFA and Training of Food Stakeholders…………………………………….…………………..…17

3.6.3.1 Objective 3…………………………………………………………..……….……17

3.6.3.2 Intervention 2…………………………………………………………..….………17

3.6.3.3 Activities of Intervention 3……………………………………………………….18 3.6.4 Action Plans for Medium TermStrategic Interventions ……….…………………………..18

3.7 Long Term Strategic Interventions 3.7.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………….….22 3.7.2 Thematic Area (broad)…………………………………………………………........................23

3.7.2.1 Objective 1……………………………………………………………….…………23

3.7.2.2 Intervention 1………………………………….........................................................................23

3.7.2.3 Activities for Intervention 1……………………………………………………….23

3.7.2.4 Objective 2………………………………………………………………………….23

3.7.2.5 Intervention

2…………………………………………………………………………………..…..23

3.7.2.6 Activities for Intervention 2……………………………………………………………………………..……..…23

3.7.2.7 Objective

3…………………………………………………………….………………………..24

3.7.2.8 Intervention 3……………………………………………………………….……………………..24

3.7.2.9 Activities for Intervention 3…………………………………….……………….24 3.7.3 Action Plan for Long Term Strategic Interventions; 2018 to 2023……………………………………………………………………………………..24

4.0 PREPARATORY STAGE FOR COMMENCING THE PROCESS TO ESTABLISH SFSA

4.1 Establishment of a Policy Structure to Guide Implementation of the Strategic Plan: ………………………………………………………….27

4.1.1 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………..27 4.1.2 Proposed TORs for NEC: …………………………………………………………………………27

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4.1.3 Composition of NEC…………………………………………………………………………….. 27

4.2 Establishment of the Structure to implement the Strategic Plan: Constitution of Technica lCommittee (TC) of Food Safety and Legal Experts………………………………………………………………………………………………..28 4.2.2 Technical Committee (TC) of Food Safety and Legal Experts:

ToRs……………………………………………………………………………………………….…28

5.0 PROPOSED STRUCTURE FOR THE SFSA…………………….…………………………………………………..29

6.0 FUNDING ………………………………………………………………….……………………………………….29

7.0 MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN……………………………………………………………………………………………29

ANNEX 1: PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE – NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY OF PNG……………………………………………………….……………………30

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Proposed Government commitment/Declaration on establishment of SFSA and adopting a) Strategic Plan

The vision of Papua New Guinea (PNG), as expressed in Vision 2050, Goal 6 calls for PNG to be progressive and globally competitive. PNG Trade Policy 2017-2032, Chapter 10.5 on Market Access provides for putting in place Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures an internationally recognized body accredited to regulate and supervise the application of technical specification/standards such as Codex Alimentarious Commission, Office of Animal Epizotics for International standards (IOE), International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), for international Plant Standards including International Standards Organization (ISO). As a policy measure of the Trade Policy, Government declared the development of capacity of enforcement agencies to comply with required standards and international certification requirements. In this regard, establishment of a Single Food Safety Authority(SFSA) will be in tandem with implementation of the Trade Policy, 2017 to 2023. The Independent State of Papua Guinea recognizes that the effective Food Safety Measures are pertinent in ensuring heath of human, animal and plant health and protecting of environment andprovide the engine for economic growth and development. Therefore, for economic transformation to occur, an enabling SPS infrastructure is a pre-requisite. Food Safety Measures ensure the health of humans, plant and animals. It is therefore important that PNG commits to build capacity to eliminate food borne diseases, ensure safe domestic and international trade in food. In this regard SFSA, under the stewardship of Department ofHealth willcreate the foundation to ensure safe food for consumers in the whole food chain, from farm to table. The realization of the overall national strategic objectives towards establishment of a Single Food SafetyAgency in the next two years will be determined by the level of commitment by the Executive arm of government by forming a National Executive Committee comprising of Ministers responsible for SPS related Activities. This strategic plan is therefore expected to direct and drive the identification of strategic areas vital for formation of effective SFSA, direct the Technical Team of Experts to advise and implement activities / interventions to realize the formation of National Food Authority. SFSA when established will commit itself to building a responsive service delivery and create an effective synergy with other SPS related agencies namely; Pursuant to National Health Policy, the established SFSA shall strive to meet the needs of its stakeholders by preventing food contamination in the Food chain and ensuring food safety.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The National Food Authority Strategic plan will take into consideration the existing SPS Infrastructure, achievements and gaps identified during the implementation of the activity on “Trade Related Technical Assistance-Phase II : Complement EDES support to NAQIA and others with regard to Food laws, SPS Policy and General Legal Framework 2017”. The Strategic Plan covers the activities geared to PNG meeting international obligations of World Trade Organization (WTO), Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS), ensuring safety of consumers in PNG and promoting fair practices in food trade. The Strategic Plan’s formulation will take into account PNG Vision 2050, Trade Policy 2017 to 2023 and Health Policy………. and other sector development plans. The Plan outlines the PNG SFSA expected medium priorities for the next 3 years and long term within 5 years and focuses on the five under-mentioned broad strategic objectives; a) Enhance the implementation of Food Safety policy, management,

enforcement and compliance with domestic and International Food Standard (such as IPPC, Codex, and IOE standards) to support production, marketing and consumption of safe food and feeds.

b) Recruit human resource to commence the establishment of Single Food Safety Authority and implementation of laws and policies on Food Safety

c) Develop effective synergies with other Government Food control related agencies in collaborative arrangements at both National and International levels.

d) Source funding to support the infrastructure demanded by establishment of SFSA

It will be elaborated through a consultative process involving stakeholders from the public. The draft strategic Plan will set out a framework meeting the expected targets and strategic objectives to be achieved. The implementation of the plan is estimated to cost (to be determined by budgeting process)……..of which …….will be from government, from National Treasury and …….from development Partners like FAO, EU, NORAD, SIDA and others. Partnerships and collaborative arrangements will form part of the core strategy for resource mobilization and service delivery in Food Safety Measures. For successful implementation of the plan, for better monitoring and coordination of food safety initiatives once SFSA is established the Government will undertake the following:

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a) Expand the capacity (human and infrastructure) of Central Public Health Laboratory under the Department of Health to increase a wide scope of testing Food parameters, including physical, chemical and microbiological capacities. b) Expand the capacities of other food testing laboratories, which have potential to serve the entire country, including Research and University laboratories

c) Construct the National Reference Food Safety Laboratory which will be referral for other Laboratories in PNG undertaking testing food and biological items including (veterinary, Chemical and Microbiology, entomology etc.) d) Fund the development of a law establishing SFSA based on the recommended FAO model e)Recruitment of staff of the SFSA and commence the functions of SFSA to start the Organization. This Draft Strategic plan establishes a mechanism in which the appointed Technical Committee of Food Safety and Legal Experts will undertake the evaluation of planned activities towards the establishment of single autonomous Food Authority periodically as resources permit. The proposed approach has been used worldwide to establish National Accreditation bodies’ The Strategy presents a proposed organizational Structure of SFSA in Annex I 1.2 Justification for Establishment of Single Food Safety Authority 1.2.1 International Scenario regarding the need to establish effective Control System WTO and FAO/WHO recognizes that in the new global environment for food trade places considerable obligations on both importing and exporting countries to strengthen their food Control System and to implement and enforce risk based control strategies. Furthermore, developing countries which seek to achieve improved food safety, quality and nutrition require a high political and policy commitment. PNG like many other developing countries has a fragmented legislation, multiple jurisdictions and general weakness in food- borne diseases surveillance. PNG therefore needs to revise and strengthen its current food control based on modern concept of risk assessment and move away from a merely punitive approach to a preventive approach food control as International best practices require. FAO/WHO recommends that in a fragmented approach of Government agencies, there is a need to develop effective relationships and mutual support among agencies and other stakeholders, particularly food processing industry and consumer organizations.

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An ideal Food Control System is recommended to include effective enforcement of mandatory requirements along with training and education and promotion of outreach programmes. Globally, introduction of preventive approaches such as HACCP, ISO 22 000,Good Agricultural Practices(GAP) to mention a few, have resulted in agriculture and food industry taking greater responsibility for and control of safe risks(FAO /WHO Food and Nutrition Paper 76). It is therefore pertinent that when PNG adopts such integrated preventive approach, it will facilitate improved consumer protection and effectively stimulate agriculture and processing of foods and promote domestic and international trade. Strategic Plan and Action will be implemented in two phases; short and medium term and long term with the outline given below. SFSA will be established particularly to enhance policy regulation and public services in the food chain areas of SPS in agro food. 1.2.2 Justified roles of responsibilities of Single Food Safety Agency (SFSA) of PNG: Introduction PNG like most of the developing countries has had multiple foods and feeds related control agencies including National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), National Fisheries Authority (NFA), National Institute for Standards and Industrial Technology (NISIT) and Local Authorities and others. It may be difficult to properly evaluate the effectiveness of interventions by national or local authorities. Therefore, an integrated food system warrants consideration by PNG to achieve effective collaboration and coordination between the above mentioned Agencies across farm to table continuum. In this regard, SFSA will undertake policy formulation, risk assessment and management and coordination of food control activity, monitoring and auditing of various authorities. The Roles and Responsibilities of SFSA:

a) Establish national food control goals and put into effect the strategic and operational activities necessary to achieve the goals

b) Revising and updating the national food control strategy c) Advising relevant Department officials on policy matters, including

determination of priorities and use of resources d) Drafting regulations, standards and codes of practice and promoting their

implementation e) Coordinating the activities of the various inspection agencies and monitoring

performance f) Auditing Local authorities’ enforcement services and provide reports where

authorities can focus efforts in improvements g) Guide authorities against Feed and Food law enforcement in agreement

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that sets out minimum standards of performance across the full range of their feed and food law enforcement

h) Developing consumer education and community outreach initiatives and promoting their implementation

i) Support research and development j) Establishing quality assurance schemes for industry and supporting their

implementation 1.2.3 The Vision of the Government The National Development Plan (NDP) 2050 has identified key constraints to national development that include weak public sector management and administration, inadequate financing and access to financial services, inadequate quantity and quality of human resources, inadequate physical infrastructure, attitude and perception challenges, and low application of science, technology and innovation. Trade Policy 2017 to 2023 further provides for intervention on enhancing application and implementation of international food standards in PNG to promote trading in safe food in both domestic external markets The National Development Plan(NDP) further highlights that public sector management and administration was characterized by weak policy, legal and regulatory frameworks, weak institutional structures and systems; weak civil society and civic participation, inadequate data and information, inadequate standards and weak quality infrastructure, limited social protection and support systems and weak management of the environment and climate change. The proposed SFSA will be part of the public sector management and will be at the center of the coordinating food safety issues and food borne disease in PNG. The Government of PNG is undertaking a series of reforms aimed at addressing the identified constraints and enhancing quality, efficiency and transparency in service delivery by public sector institutions. Addressing these constraints is expected to lead to increased agricultural and industrial investments, production and productivity, improved quantity and quality of services and ultimately better health status of the population that include literacy levels, life expectancy at birth, infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate, safe water coverage, sanitation levels and incidence of disease and sustainable management of environmental resources. The latter outcomes are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Actions are now required to improve performance in the public sector and stimulate growth and productivity in the private sector. Strategic planning is a cornerstone for improved performance in a dynamic environment; therefore, PNG has laid down this plan to realize its strategic objectives. The Food Safety Strategic plan will enable the established SFSA to;

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• Provide services that meet the evolving needs of the public sector, the

private sector and consumers. • Understand the pertinent strategic issues and commitment required to attain

the set objectives. • Fine tune resources and management systems for maximum effectiveness

and efficiency. • Sustain the ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments while

continuing to carry out its core functions. • Provide services in tandem with global best practices.

2. SITIUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF EXISITING FOOD SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE IN PNG 2.1 Introduction This Draft Strategic Plan (2018-2023) will be elaborated through wide consultative and collaborative process of a large and diverse group of stakeholders in government, industry, consumer groups, and academia to give it a shared Vision. It is therefore hoped that on its first presentation to stakeholders more inputs will be achieved and a first Draft Strategic Plan 2017 to 2023 for establishment of SFSA will be achieved for further wide consultative process. In this regard, to come up with an implementable Strategic Plan for Establishment of SFSA, the roles of the other Food Agencies should be stated and defined.

1. 2.2 Roles of Multi-sectoral PNG agencies in Food Control The institutions/ Agencies below constitute the Food Control System of PNG.

Each Institution to identify the pertinent areas of cooperation with Established SFSA and Statutory functions relevant to Food Safety 2.2.1 Roles of National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority 2.2.2 Role of National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology (NISIT) 2.2.3 Role of Department of Fisheries and National Fisheries Authority 2.2.4 Role of Department of Health

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2.2.5 Role of Department of Agriculture and Livestock and National Codex Committee 2.2.6 Role of PNG Customs in clearance and conformity assessment of food imports and exports 2.2.7 Role of National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) 2.2.8 Role of Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) 2.2.9 Role of Kokonas Indastri Koporesen(KIK) 2.2.10 Role of Coffee Institute Corporation Ltd

2.3 Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the PNG Food Control System( table to guide on inputs specific to PNG situation) STRENGTH • Political will and commitment

by the Government evidenced by National policies and strategies, declarations and pronouncements

• Ongoing National activities to address Food Control by relevant agencies)

• Human and technical infrastructure and capacity building e.g. laboratories for testing in various agencies

• Availability of baseline data • Existing data on food

contaminants, hazards in the food chain, mitigation on prevention of food

OPPORTUNITIES • Existing programmes funded by the

Development Partners • Availability of resources from

Development Partners • Participation in International standards

setting bodies; CODEX, International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

• Available Technical experts / Trained Food Inspectors and Established food inspectorates to handle food controls

• Current Food Markets and Acceptability of PNG Food exports in destined markets

• Regional protocols and Food standards, Regional arrangements

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contamination • Established and functional

research institutions • Private sector engagement in

Food control WEAKNESS • Inadequate policies and weak

enforcement of existing legislation and standards to address Food control issues

• Inadequate information and low levels of awareness stakeholders

• Inadequate infrastructure • Limited data to establish

baselines an effective SFSA • Weak food control systems

(inspection, testing) • Inadequate of knowledge and

information on GAP and GMP,HACCP, ISO 22000( Food Management system,) Codex, IPPC, IOE, SPS agreement and other international market access issues, Risk assessment principles in the food chain.

THREATS • Any Emerging issues (political economic

and social? • Any Climatic adverse conditions that

effect prevention of food borne diseases in food chain?

• Pests and diseases invasion or animal diseases?

• Control of porous borders?

3.0 STRATEGIC DIRECTION

This section details the vision goals, objectives of the Strategy, medium and long terminterventions to establish a Single Food Safety Agency of PNG 3.1 VISION: To brainstorm with National Stakeholders during interactive sessions Proposed Vision by NKE: “Creationof an effective Single National Food Safety Authority of PNG that meets demands of domestic Food and feedsconsumers andinternational trade requirement in food exports 3.2 MISSION

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Proposed Mission Statement by NKE: To promote effective food safetycontrol in agricultural production, trade and consumption of safe food products through enhanced capacity building, awareness, risk assessment, advocacy, research, strengthening regulatory, health and extension systems along the value chains in the Independent State of Papua Guinea Stakeholders to brainstorm on acceptable mission statement in regard of what exists and is expected

3.3 Broad Objectives

Enabling policy, legislation and establishment of Mechanism towards realization of Single Food Safety Authority within three years

1. Formation of Executive Committee to provide policy direction on establishment of National Food Authority.

2. Creation of Desk office under Department Of Health(DOH) to coordinate the formation of Technical committee of SPS and Legal Experts

3. Promote Protection of Animal and Plant Health in the Food and Feeds Chain. 4. Enhance Protection of Human Health from food borne diseases and

prevention of Food Hazards in the food Chain 5. Enhancing safe trade in foods both on Domestic and International Markets

and Environmental 6. Capacity building and infrastructure development of SFSA ( recruitment of

SFSA staff and physical facilities) for effective Food Safety Control 7. Enhance Public awareness and communication on benefits of establishing

Single Food Safety Authority 8. Resource mobilization by the Government (Inclusion of establishment of SFSA

in National Budge)t and engagement of Development Partners. 3.4 Goals of the Strategy

1. To contribute to Food and feed Security and Safety in PNG 2. To promote food security and safety in PNG and protect human, animal and

plant health 3. To build awareness, drive information flow, support inter-agency and inter

sector coordination and advance policy and programme implementation to achieve an effective food safety systems in PNG

4. To establish a Single Food Safety Authority that meets both domestic and International requirements of food safety control and fair food trade

3.5 Objectives of the Strategy 1. To develop an integrated, coherent, dynamic and effective National Food

Safety Control in PNG in the food chain( Farm to Table)

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2. To increase awareness on risks associated with food borne diseases and to

prevent and mitigate contamination

3. To support Research and technology development option for Food Safety

and promote Risk Assessment in the food chain

4. Establish legal mechanisms for collaboration of NFA with other Food Related

agencies with minimum attempts to review the existing laws

3.6 Medium Term Strategic interventions

3.6.1 Thematic Area: Creation of Desk office under Department of Health (DOH) to coordinate the commencement of the establishment of SFSA

3.6.1.1 Objective 1 To develop an integrated, coherent, dynamic and effective National Food Safety Control in PNG in the food chain (Farm to Table). 3.6.1.2 Intervention 1 Collection, collation and evaluation of information on the status of food and agriculture sectors, Food Security, Food exports and imports, epidemiological information, legal inconsistencies to determine tasks ahead to be addressed by SFSA or issues to be addressed by the preparatory Committees. 3.6.1.3 Activities for intervention 1

a) DOH establishes a Desk to kick off the coordination of the activities to establish SFSA and implement the Strategic plan.

a) Undertake the formulation of the Tools to collect information on operations of various Food Agencies and assessment of the needs,

b) Undertake missions in Provisional Governments to collect information to assess needs of food control chain

c) Visit Ports of Entry to assess challenges of One Stop Border operations of various agencies and customs in Food Imports and Exports.

d) Meetings of Stakeholders to collate the data obtained country wide and compile the findings e) Meetings of National Executive Committee (NEC) to consider report of findings and recommendations and provide policy of the Tech and provide policy guidance 3.6.2 Thematic Area 2: Development of Legal Framework to Establish SFSA 3.6.2.1 Objective 2:

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Establish legal mechanisms establishing the SFSA(with minimum attempts to review the existing laws)

3.6.2.2 Intervention 2 Elaboration of appropriate Single Food Safety Authority Bill, 2018 to provide for establishment of SFSA and revising the existing provisions of other Food Control Laws through consultative meetings 3.6.2.3 Activities for Intervention 2

a) Formation of Technical Committee of Food Safety and Legal Experts by DOH or Prime Minister’s office and approval by National Executive Committee (NEC) b) Workshop on launching the Technical Committee (TC) of Food Safety and Legal Experts c) Meetings of the TC to review the food control needs, overlaps and conflicting food provisions and incorporating science based prevention in the food chain provisions d) Hold National consultative meetings/workshops of stakeholders to elaborate on the Draft National Food Authority Bill e) Meetings to finalize the SFSA Draft Bill f) Meeting/workshops of the TC to consider the SFSA Bill and Draft Cabinet Paper g) Meetings of NEC to consider the SFSA Bill and preparation to forward the Bill to National Parliament h) Recruitment Exercises of Staff to form a Provisional or Transitional Single Autonomous Food Authority at DOH

3.6.3 Thematic Area 3 Awareness Creation on the Roles of SFSA and training of Food Stakeholders 3.6.3.1Objective 3 To increase awareness on risks associated with food borne diseases and to prevent and mitigate contamination. 3.6.3.2 Intervention 2 Undertake National training of Food Inspectors, Border /entry point agencies under one stop border controls, factory inspectors, public health inspectors and laboratory analysts, food handlers, food processors and Hotels and eating places. 3.6.3.3 Activities of Intervention 3 a) Meetings/Workshops of the Technical Committee of SPS and Legal experts in collaboration with Industry, Academia to assess the training needs of Authorized Food Officers in Government Agencies, Industry Food Inspectors and elaborate on possible SPS communication strategy

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b) Media programmes to sensitize public on establishing a Single Food Safety Authority. c) Meetings of Academia to consolidate the training needs and development of tailored curriculum to meet the training needs of Government and Public Sector c) Development and printing of Food Safety guidelines for food vendors, Hotels and Industry, d)Develop information and awareness materials for priority crops in PNG(Fish and Fishery Products, Cocoa, Palm oil) e) Mobilize Resources to support PNG Holistic Programme of awareness on Food Safety Awareness

2. 3. 3.6.4 ACTION PLAN FOR MEDIUM TERM STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS

Simplified Action Plan to Implement the Medium Strategic Plan, 2017 to 2020

Thematic Area 1: Creation of Desk/ office under Department Of Health(DOH) to coordinate the commencement of the establishment of SFSA Objective: 1 To develop an integrated, coherent, dynamic and effective National Food Safety Control in PNG in the food chain(Farm to Table)

Output Target Activity Actors Estimated

Cost Time Frame

Functional Office to Commence the establishment of SFSA in Place

By April 2018

Consultation meetings in DOH to establishes a Desk to kick off start the coordination

DOH,or PM’s Office

To be determined by relevant process of Government

Dec 2017 to March 2017

By July 2018

Undertake the formulation of the Tools to collect information on operations of various Food Agencies and assessment of the needs,

DOH and National Statistics Office

April to June 2018

By August 2018

Undertake missions in Provisional Governments and Relevant

DOH and National Statistics

May to July 2018

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Data Base to inform the establishment of SFSA in Place

Agencies to collect information on gaps and needs of food control chain

By Sept 2018

Visits to Ports of Entries to assess challenges of One Stop Border operations of various agencies and customs in Food Imports and Exports.

DOH and National Statistics Office

May to August 2018

By October 2018

Meetings of Stakeholders to collate the data obtained country wide and compile the findings

DOH and other Food Safety agencies

May to September 2018

Policy Guidance Provided

By December 2018

NEC meeting to consider the Results of Collection and Collation of the Data Base

DOH and NEC

Dec.2018

Thematic Area 2: Development of Legal Framework to Establish SFSA Objective: 2 Establish legal mechanisms establishing the SFSA with minimum attempts to review the existing laws Output Target Activity Actors Estimated

Costs Time Frame

Technical Committee of Food safety and Legal Experts (TC)Established

By May 2018

Department Meetings to establish the TC

DOH in consultation with Food Safety Agencies and Attorney General

Dec 2017 to April 2018

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By June 2018

Workshop to inaugurate the TC

All Food and Legal Experts

May to July 2018

Draft SFSA Bill 2019 in place

By Sept. 2018

Meetings of the TC to review the food control needs, overlaps and conflicting food provisions and incorporating science based prevention in the food chain provisions

DOH and TC

July to August 2018

Hold National consultative meetings/workshops of stakeholders to elaborate on the Draft SAFA Bill

DOH and TC

August to December 2018

Meetings to finalize the SAFA Draft Bill

DOH and TC

Jan to March 2019

Meeting of NEC to consider the SFSA Bill and preparation to forward the Bill to National Parliament

DOH and TC

April to July 2019

Provisional SFSA Office Established

By December 2019

Recruitment Exercises of Staff to form a Provisional or Transitional Single Autonomous Food Authority at DOH

DOH July to Dec 2019

Thematic Area 3: Awareness Creation on the Roles of SFSA and training of Food Stakeholders

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Objective 3: To increase awareness on risks associated with food borne diseases and to prevent and mitigate contamination. Output Target Activity Actors Estimated

Costs Time Frame

Resources to undertake Holistic awareness programme mobilized

By July 2018

Mobilize Resources to support PNG Holistic Programme of awareness on Food Safety

DOH Jan to June 2018

Holistic awareness on future roles of SFSA undertaken

By June 2019

Undertaking National awareness of Food Inspectors, Border /entry point agencies under one stop border controls, factory inspectors, public health inspectors and laboratory analysts, food handlers, food processors and Hotels and eating places on relevancy of SAFA

DOH and TC

July 2018 to December 2018

Media programmes to sensitize public on establishing a Single Food Authority.

Sept. 2018 to March 2019

Meetings of Academia to consolidate the training needs and development of tailored curriculum to meet the training

DOH and Academia

May 2019 to March 2020

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needs of Government and Public Sector Development of information and awareness materials on Food Safety measures

Sept. 2019 to Dec. 2020

3.7. Long Term Strategic Interventions 3.7.1Introduction It is hoped that when SFSA is established, it should be operating in a system that is strengthened considering the functions stated in 1.2.2 (Justified roles of responsibilities of Single Food Safety Agency of PNG) In this regard there is a need to build capacities in the long term such as: a)Communication infrastructure between SFSA and other Food Safety Agencies b) Strengthening the Food laboratories The establishment of laboratories are essential component of the food control system. Therefore establishment requires a considerable capital investment and laboratories are expensive to maintain. Accredited Laboratories need to be spread evenly in PNG so as to achieve the most effective coverage of analyses to be performed. It is also essential that PNG establishes a Central Reference Laboratory equipped for sophisticated and reference analyses. SFSA will also need a communication system of monitoring of food control system similar to the SPS National Enquiry points established in many WTO members internally in PNG. This will give SFSA an edge to carry out effective communication covering surveillance of food epidemics, food poisoning, and test reports around the country. There will be two thematic areas for Intervention: ThematicAreas (broad)

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-Enhance protection of human health and prevention of food hazards through strengthening of food systems infrastructure

-Strengthening laboratory systems in PNG to support functions of SFSA

3.7.2.1. Objective 1 To expand the infrastructure of Central Public Health Laboratory under the Department of Health

3.7.2.2Intervention 1 Increase of tests to cover wide scope of testing of food, including physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of importance in food chain at CPHL

3.7.2.3 Activities for Intervention 1 Conduct pre audit and needs assessment of the CPHL against International standard ISO 15189:2012, Medical Laboratories- Requirements for quality and competence Undertake construction for expansion of CPHL to get more space to meet the accommodation international requirements of a food and medical laboratories Undertake procurement of equipment and consumables required for wide coverage of tests

3.7.2.4Objective 2 To strengthen the capacities of other food testing laboratories, which have potential to serve the entire country, including Research and University Laboratories. 3.7.2.5 Intervention 2 Prepare for ISO 17025 accreditation laboratories across the country. Provide equipment to expand capacities for University of Technology laboratory Lae, University of Goroka, University of National Resources and Environment, Kerevat, NAQIA and others to meet testing capacities of exporters. 3.7.2.6 Activities for Intervention 2

a) Conduct needs assessments for above mentioned Laboratories and pre-audits against ISO17025: 2005 and determine priorities

b) Undertake civil works on old buildings and renovations and/or construct new buildings according he the needs assessment report generated in (a)

c) Undertake procurement of priority equipment for the above laboratories 3.7.2.7 Objective 3 To Construct the National Reference Food Safety Laboratory which will be referral

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for other Laboratories in PNG undertaking testing food and biological items including veterinary, Chemical and Microbiology, entomology, epidemiology and others. 3.7.2.8 Intervention 3 Securing funding and building of state of art Reference Laboratory to meet international requirements for a reference Laboratory 3.7.2.9 Activities for Intervention 3 -Undertake civil works, bill of quantities, architecture and consultancy work -Undertake construction of National reference Laboratory

3.7.3 ACTION PLAN FOR LONG TERM STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS; 2018 to 2023

Thematic Area: Enhance protection of human health and prevention of food hazards through strengthening of food systems infrastructure :Strengthening laboratory systems in PNG to support functions of SFSA

Objective 1:To Expand the infrastructure of the Central Public Health Laboratory under the Department of Health

Outputs Target Activity Actors Estimate

d Costs Time Frame

Needs assessment on meeting ISO 15189: 2012 undertaken

By March 2018

Conduct pre audit and needs assessment of the CPHL against International standard ISO 15189 :2012, Medical Laboratories- Requirements for quality and competence

DOH, TRA 2 October to Dec. 2017

Accommodation of CPHL expanded to meet international

By Dec 2021

Undertake construction for the expansion of CPHL to get more space to

DOH & Department of Finance

June 2018 to Dec 2020

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requirements meet the accommodation international requirements of a food and medical laboratories

Equipment and consumables obtained for CPHL

By March 2020

Undertake procurement of equipment and consumables to cover required for wide coverage of tests

Donor/ Department of Finance

Dec 2018 to Dec 2019

Objective 2: To Strengthen the capacities of National Food Testing Laboratories which have potential to serve the entire country, including Research and University laboratories Output Target Activity Actors Estimate

d Costs Time frame

Needs for selected Universities and SPS agencies assessed and priorities set

By March 2018

Conduct needs assessments for above mentioned Laboratories and pre Audits against ISO17025: 2005 and determine priorities

TRA 2, DOH, Universities to be supported

Nov 2017 to Jan 2018

Laboratory Facilities in universities and agencies renovated for use

By Dec 2020

Undertake civil works on old building and renovations and construct new building according he the needs assessment report

DOH, Donors and Department of Finance

Dec.2018 to March 2021

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generated

Priority Equipment procured

By March 2021

Undertake procurement of priority equipment for the four(4)academia laboratories

DOH, Department of Finance

Jan 2019 to Dec. 2020

Objective 3:Construct the National Reference Food Safety Laboratory which will be referral for other Laboratories in PNG undertaking testing food and biological items including (veterinary, Chemical and Microbiology, entomology) Out Put Target Activity Actors Estimate

d Costs Time Frame

Architecture Plans finalized

By December 2020

Undertake civil works, bill of quantities, architecture and consultancy work

Departments of Planning, Finance, Health

Jan 2019 to December 2020

National Reference Laboratory Infrastructure Realized

By September 2022

Undertake construction of National reference Laboratory

DOH , Finance Donors

June 2019 to 2022

Special Project on Enhancement of SFSA; Establishment of monitoring SFSA networks in food chain Objective : To establish communication system of monitoring of food control system Output Target Activity Actors Estimate

Cost Time Frame

SFSA Networking Established

By 2023 Procurement and Installation of Networking system

DOH and Finance

2020 to 2023

4.0 PREPARATORY STAGE FOR COMMENCING THE PROCESS TO ESTABLISH SFSA 4.1Establishment of a Policy Structure to Guide of Implementation of the Strategic Plan: Formation of National Executive Committee (NEC),

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4.1.1 Introduction World over, establishing an effective Food Control System, Policy and operational coordination at National level is a conditional pre-requisite and unavoidable. It is therefore proposed that a National Executive committee be appointed by the Prime Minister or his Designate to provide a leadership function with clear responsibilities. 4.1.2 Proposed ToRs for NEC:

1. Approve a National Programme towards establishment of Single National Food Authority

2. Create a desk/office/Secretariat on establishment of SFSA on ad hoc basis under Department of Health basis and

3. Appoint the Technical Committee of Food Safety and Legal experts 4. Receive and consider and approve reports of the TC of Food Safety and

legal experts as necessary as possible 5. Approve programmes of establishing a NFA in the strategic plan from time to

time funds permitting 6. Analyze all factors that may impinge upon the objectives and performance

of the Strategic plan 7. Outsource the funding of the programmes to establish NFA 8. Regularly report to the Cabinet of Ministers and Parliament on the progress

4.1.3 Composition of NEC The National Executive Committee for establishment of SFSA will comprise the Ministers of the following Departments: a) Agriculture b) Health (Chair) c) Trade, commerce and Industry d) Finance e) Justice and Attorney Generals e) Office of the Prime Minister d) Provincial Governments e) Agriculture d) Environment 4.2 Establishment of the Structure to Implement the Strategic Plan: Constitution of Technical Committee (TC) of Food Safety and Legal Experts 4.2.1 Introduction It is proposed that the NEC appoints the TC of Food safety and Legal experts to implement the Strategic plan 2017 to 2023. The Desk on SFSA in the Department of Health will coordinate the Technical Committee of Food Safety and Legal Experts (TC) 4.2.2 Technical Committee (TC)of Food Safety and Legal Experts: Terms of Reference(ToRs)

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The TC will be appointed by the Authority of NEC with the following ToRs. a) Finalize the Draft Strategic Plan developed by TRA 2 and DOH for Establishment of SFSA b) Finalize the Draft SFSA Bill for approval by NEC c) Prepare Draft Cabinet Paper on establishment of SFSA for NEC to consider d) Execute the programme/activities to implement the strategic plan e) Organize Workshops and awareness programmes on Risk assessment activities and Training of Food Stakeholders f) Review provisions of the existing laws in order to harmonize them with the NFA Bill e) Propose recommendations to NEC on the recruitment of SFSA staff, budgets, capacity building, training of technical Staff, expansion of the ad hoc Desk/ Secretariat of SFSA f) Propose budgets to NEC 5.0 PROPOSED STRUCTURE FOR THE SFSA Considering the proposed functions in section 1, the Structure in Annex 1 is proposed to PNG Government as a viable organizational structure of SFSAand subject to further discussion of stakeholders. 6.0 FUNDING TO BE DISCUSSED WIDELY BY RELEVANT AUTHORITIES To be discussed in the upcoming workshop in October 2017 7.0 MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN

TO BE DISCUSSED IN PLENARY ANNEX I: PROPOSED ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY OFPAPUANEWGUINEA

FOOD SAFETY COUNCIL/ BOARD

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Legal Offic

e

Public Relations Finance

MANAGING DIRECTOR (SFSA)

Quality Management

DIRECTORATE OF FOOD POLICYFORMULATION &RISK ASSESSMENT

Animal Health

Plant Protection

Food Safety Risk

assessment Department

Food Processing

Support and advisory

Department

DIRECTORATE OF RESEARCH, TRAININGDIRECTORATE

SPS Enquiry Point

Legislation, MoU

Monitoring and Liaison

DIRECTORATE OF FOOD QUALITY COORDINATION AND

INTERNATIONALLIAISON DIRECTORATE

Corporate

Planning

Audit Cooperate planning