Good evening to the viewing and listening audience.  On behalf of The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA), I would like to first wish all workers in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas a safe, enjoyable and reflective Labour Day Holiday. 

BAHFSA is a Regulatory agency established by a compendium of Acts in 2016.  In 2018, a team of Directors began to implement its mandate to ensure that there is an efficient, effective, transparent and coordinated administration of matters dealing with food safety, and animal and plant health by harmonizing the efforts among public sector agencies.

The Food Safety and Quality Unit of BAHFSA, for which I am the Director, functions to regulate food safety at all stages of the food chain for all foods, including meat and fish; and generally, to protect human health, consumer interests and to ensure fair practices in trade. 

In December, 2018, the United Nations proclaimed the 7^th of June of each year to be recognized as World Food Safety Day.  Therefore, today marks the first ever World Food Safety Day (WFSD) celebrated globally with our counterparts.  It is a day on which the world can speak with one voice to address food safety, “to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development”.

This past Wednesday, June 5th, an official ceremony to recognize World Food Safety Day and a Food Safety Seminar, under the theme,  Food Safety Matters!! Everyday, was held at the National Training Agency on Gladstone Rd.  The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Esther de Gourville, the PAHO Representative for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.  Additional Presentations were provided by public and private agencies in bringing more awareness to the issue of food safety. Through events such as this, The Food Safety and Quality Unit at BAHFSA wants to partner with you! the Farmer, the Food Processor, the Restaurateur, the Chef, all food service providers and anyone else who comes in contact with food intended for human and animal consumption. 

As this Unit continues to develop its regulatory, surveillance, inspection and diagnostic capacity, our efforts to engage the public through Seminars, hands on Workshops, Training and Certification opportunities and so on, will likewise be expanded.  This partnership goes both ways and to ensure we provide your needs, we ask that you share with us the gaps you may need assistance with in strengthening the level of food safety you are able to provide to consumers at your various food establishments.  After all, everyone deserves to have safe food.

Additionally, during this long weekend holiday where persons may partake in picnics, Regattas, family gatherings, etc. BAHFSA urges everyone to remain vigilant when handling and preparing food by adhering to the following food safety principles:

1. Keep clean by washing one’s hands often and thoroughly; and clean and sanitize all equipment and surfaces used in food preparation.
2. Separate foods to avoid cross-contamination by keeping ready-to-eat foods separate from raw meat, poultry, eggs and seafood and use separate utensils for their preparation.
3. Refrigerate foods within two hours after cooking at 40°F or below 0°F to prevent microbial growth and thus, foodborne illnesses. Use a refrigerator thermometer to check temperatures regularly;
4. Cook foods at the proper temperatures. Use a food thermometer to check the doneness of meat, poultry seafood and dishes containing eggs; and
5. Use potable water in preparing food, especially ready to eat foods such as fruits, vegetables and conch.

Food Safety is BAHFSAs business and for us, Food Safety Matters, Everyday!

BAHFSA can be reached at bahfsa@bahamas.gov.bs.

Thank you, and may God continue to bless The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.