MONROVIA, LIBERIA- The Food Authority of Liberia (FAL) has concluded a one-day stakeholder consultative meeting on national food and safety governance.

The meeting is aimed at strengthening the understanding, alignment, and implementation of food law of Liberia (2017) through coordinated sectoral collaboration.

The Director General of the FAL, Pricilla Cherue, said, “The meeting marks a critical step forward in its shared responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of citizens through an effective, transparent and collaborative food governance system”.

Madam Cherue, in her opening remarks, said it is important to note that as stakeholders delve into key provisions of the food law, it also aims to clarify not only its legal mandates and the operational structure of the authority, but also the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in its enforcement and implementation.

Meanwhile, the Director for Surveillance and Risk Response at the Food Authority of Liberia, Thomas Nagbe, said, “The authority is working along with multi-sectoral stakeholders to an effective Food Law governance”.

Director Nagbe said effective implementation depends on coordinated sectoral actions and assigned laws.

He said FAL looks forward to preparing a five-year strategic plan for the forward match of the entity.

Director Nagbe emphasized that as part of informing the public about the existence of the entity, it will conduct a vigorous national food awareness campaign to educate citizens on its scope of work and existence.

He noted that FAL will work with development partners to achieve the mandate of the Food Authority of Liberia.