FOOD SAFETY ISUESS IN ORGANIC FOOD CERTIFICATION IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

Food safety which can be expressed as the ensuring that the food does not create any allergy or illness to its indented user .The food safety is considered as key element of food security. Organic food certification is the most reliable source for assuring it safety. The main objective of this study was to identify the safety issues associated with organic food certification. All relevant facts were identified by interviewing auditors of three main organic certification bodies(control union, Sri Lanka standard institution, participatory guarantee system)using structured questionnaire from January to April 2018. Mainly food inspection, food control laboratory facilities, education and training, common inspection framework, communication, legislation, same auditors for both crop production and animal husbandry, high cost for some testing methods, government involvement for organic food safety, infrastructure facilities were revealed as issues. Finally some recommendations are outlined from this study. National organic food control strategy, national organic food legislation and regulatory framework, analytical capability and capacity, organic food safety issues surveillance system, risk assessment of organic foods, participation in IFOAM (international federation for organic agriculture movement) meetings at least one member of each certification body, infrastructure facilities, food safety assurance scheme separately for the animal husbandry and crop production, cost-effective methods for testing by engaging with private sector.