FSQA Meets with Vendors at Yunus English School to Discuss Food Safety and Hygiene

On 7th November 2024, the Food Safety Quality Authority (FSQA) held a productive meeting with the vendors and management of Yunus English School in Busumbala to address key food safety and hygiene concerns. The session was attended by Mustapha B. Darboe and Buba Ceesay from FSQA, as well as members of the Vendor Committee, including Amadou Jawo (Chairman), Fatoumata York, Amadou Jaiteh, and Saikou Jawo.

The meeting’s central focus was on ensuring that vendors adhere to food safety regulations to protect both public health and food quality. Mustapha B. Darboe, speaking on behalf of FSQA, highlighted the importance of personal hygiene for vendors handling food. “Food safety is a dynamic issue. One can be tested positive for health issues today and negative tomorrow. It is vital to always maintain proper hygiene to reduce the risk of contamination,” he remarked. Darboe’s message underscored the role of vendors in safeguarding public health through consistent and careful hygiene practices.

Buba Ceesay, also from FSQA, emphasized the need for improved physical conditions for the vendors. He pointed out that shading should be provided for vendors to protect both the food and the vendors themselves from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. “Proper shading is essential not only for the comfort of the vendors but also for maintaining the quality of the food they serve,” Ceesay said.

Further, Ceesay raised concerns about the monitoring and timely renewal of health certificates for vendors. He advocated for a system that ensures all health certificates remain current, as this is a crucial aspect of food safety standards. Alongside this, he recommended that vendors wear aprons while handling food to further reduce the risk of contamination. “By wearing aprons, vendors can significantly improve hygiene practices and ensure food safety,” he added.

Amadou Jawo, Chairman of the Vendor Committee, responded positively to the suggestions. He assured the FSQA team that the Vendor Committee would collaborate with the vendors to implement the recommended measures. “We are fully committed to improving food safety and ensuring that all the vendors adhere to the necessary hygiene standards,” Jawo stated. His fellow committee members, Fatoumata York, Amadou Jaiteh, and Saikou Jawo, also expressed their support for the new initiatives.

Several key action items emerged from the meeting, including the need for shading to be provided for the vendors, a monitoring system to ensure the timely renewal of health certificates, and a mandate for all vendors to wear aprons while handling food. FSQA and Yunus English School management were tasked with exploring solutions to provide adequate shading for the vendors, and FSQA will take steps to improve the health certificate monitoring system.

In closing, Mustapha B. Darboe thanked all attendees for their participation and emphasized the ongoing role of FSQA in supporting food safety efforts. “We will continue to guide and assist the vendors to ensure the safety and quality of food at Yunus English School,” Darboe concluded.

This meeting marks an important step in fostering better food safety practices at Yunus English School and ensuring that both the vendors and the community benefit from improved health and hygiene standards.