Protecting Consumers in Lebanon: The Need for Effective Food Safety System

Abstract

Food safety has a major impact on the health of the population and the economy of the country. Pathogenic microorganisms are being detected in Lebanese foods, food poisoning outbreaks are being reported, and some Lebanese food product exports are being rejected while no changes have been made in the food safety practices. → To date, there is no food safety law in Lebanon, there are only decrees from the 1960s and 1970s which are outdated. → There are nine agencies in Lebanon that govern food safety with overlapping functions and lack of accountability → Lebanese food safety practices do not conform to international standards and do not ensure the safety of Lebanese consumers → The current draft food safety law suggests a centralized approach to the food safety system coordinated by an independent food safety board and authority → The Briefing Note reports on food safety system models and how some countries restructured their food safety systems as well as implementation considerations → The new food safety law in Lebanon should be context-specific and accompanied by appropriate legislative decrees that take into account implementation considerations.