By: Fatou Krubally
A parliamentary committee Tuesday raised concerns over deficiencies in laboratory testing capacity, staff competency and risk communication at the Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA).
Members of the National Assembly’s Select Committee on Health, Disaster, Humanitarian Relief and Refugees raised the concerns during scrutiny of an audit report on the authority.
The concerns emerged as lawmakers examined audit findings highlighting weaknesses in the authority’s laboratory systems and food safety monitoring mechanisms.
According to the audit report, laboratory analysts lacked the required competency to operate several food testing equipment available at the authority during the audit period. Although laboratory personnel had participated in local and international training programs, auditors found that the training provided was insufficient to enable staff to effectively operate all available equipment.
The audit also revealed that standard operating procedures (SOPs) had not been developed for most laboratory equipment, a gap that auditors said could undermine the reliability and consistency of food testing results.
Another issue highlighted in the report was the absence of advanced microbiology laboratory equipment. Auditors noted that the authority relied primarily on rapid test kits for microbiological analysis and, in some cases, had to send food samples to accredited laboratories in Senegal and Europe, resulting in additional costs and delays.
Committee members questioned FSQA officials on the implications of operating without advanced microbiology testing facilities and sought assurances on measures being taken to address the shortcomings identified in the audit.
Responding to the concerns, FSQA management acknowledged the challenges but said significant progress had been made in strengthening the country’s food testing capacity since 2021.
Officials cited the acquisition of new laboratory equipment, the expansion of field testing capabilities and ongoing capacity-building programs for technical staff as part of efforts to improve the authority’s services.
The authority also informed lawmakers that arrangements were being finalised with regional partners, including institutions in Uganda, to provide specialized practical training for laboratory personnel and support the accreditation of its laboratories.
Lawmakers further examined audit findings relating to delays in completing and publishing food safety risk profiling studies. The auditors warned that delays in communicating food safety risks could affect the timely implementation of measures to protect public health.
FSQA officials attributed the delays to data limitations and technical challenges associated with conducting risk assessments but maintained that public awareness and risk communication activities had continued through various channels.
The committee underscored the need to strengthen laboratory infrastructure, improve technical capacity and ensure timely communication of food safety risks to enhance consumer protection and public confidence in The Gambia’s food safety system.