Samoa strengthens food safety and emergency preparedness through national workshop

The Ministry of Health Samoa, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), has convened the National Food Control System Assessment Validation Workshop and Food Safety Emergency Response (FSER) Planning Initiation in Apia to strengthen Samoa’s food safety system and enhance preparedness for food safety emergencies.

“Food safety is a shared responsibility that requires strong coordination across sectors,” said Fata Paulo Pemita Seuseu, Deputy Director General for Public Health Services, Ministry of Health. “The workshop will help us identify priority actions, strengthen collaboration among agencies and lay the foundation for a robust national food safety emergency response framework.”

The three-day workshop brought together representatives from key government agencies responsible for food safety, public health, agriculture, fisheries, customs, standards, biosecurity and border control to review the findings of Samoa’s draft National Food Control System Assessment and identify priorities for strengthening the country's food safety governance framework.

As part of the Pandemic Fund-supported project on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, the workshop supports Samoa’s efforts to build stronger systems for managing food safety risks and responding effectively to foodborne disease outbreaks and other food safety incidents.

Over two days of the workshop, participants validated assessment findings across 11 domains of the national food control system, including legislation and regulation, institutional coordination, laboratory capacity, risk-based control functions, foodborne disease surveillance, stakeholder engagement and emerging risks. Discussions focused on identifying strengths, addressing gaps and agreeing on priorities and recommendations for system-wide improvements.

The final day focused on food safety emergency preparedness. Participants received an introduction to the international framework for food safety emergency response planning, reviewed practical case studies, participated in a tabletop exercise, and agreed on a roadmap for the development of Samoa’s National Food Safety Emergency Response Plan.

“Strong food control systems are essential for protecting public health, supporting food security and building resilience,” said Mr Guangzhou Qui, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands. “This workshop provides an important opportunity for Samoa’s competent authorities to work together, validate evidence-based findings and establish a shared pathway for strengthening food safety governance and emergency preparedness.”

The workshop validated the National Food Control System Assessment, agreed on a roadmap of priority actions to strengthen the food control system, enhanced understanding of food safety emergency response roles and responsibilities, and agreed on a workplan for the development of Samoa’s National Food Safety Emergency Response Plan through the end of 2026.

“Strengthening food safety is key to protecting families and communities, while helping ensure Samoa is better prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to foodborne risks and emergencies,” said Dr Wendy Snowdon, WHO Representative to Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. “We are pleased to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, FAO, and other partners in using the One Health approach to strengthen systems that protect people across Samoa.”

The initiative reflects the continued commitment of the Government of Samoa, FAO, and WHO to strengthening food safety, protecting public health and advancing preparedness for future food safety challenges.