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ANTIGUA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE FISHIERS AND BARBUDA AFFAIRS SAID- The Caribbean’s food trade faces ongoing challenges due to inconsistent safety standards across the region.
While some countries have well-developed food safety systems, others struggle to meet international requirements, creating barriers to trade and posing risks to public health.
To address these issues, the Caribbean Taskforce on Food Safety (CTFS) was established as a technical advisory body dedicated to improving coordination and harmonizing food safety measures across CARICOM.
Recently, a two-days meeting was held in Bridgetown, Barbados during 28th and 29th January. Representatives from Caricom member states to include countries such as Trinidad & Tobago, Belize, Dominica, Suriname, St. Lucia, Barbados and Haiti were in attendance at this very important meeting.
Dr. Diandra Payne/Veterinary Officer within the Veterinary and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, fisheries and the Blue Economy represented Antigua and Barbuda at this forum.
The Caribbean Task Force on Food Safety engaged in this very important meeting to develop a 3-year work plan to address the food safety issues.
Additionally, this meeting served as a follow-up from the conference held in Suriname from September 10th to 12th, 2024.
At that event, members actively supported the prioritization of the food safety issues which led to some recommendations.
The idea for the task force emerged from a 2019 regional workshop in Suriname, where senior food regulators emphasized the need for a structured approach to food safety management.
They recommended a permanent body to facilitate collaboration, share best practices, and streamline regulatory frameworks.
This led to the formation of the CTFS, which was later endorsed by CARICOM’s Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).
Operating under the guidance of the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA), the CTFS plays a key role in shaping food safety policies.
Its mandate includes advising on priority areas for intervention, recommending legislative updates, and identifying emerging food safety risks.
The task force also supports investment in food safety infrastructure, training programs, and laboratory testing capabilities.
Beyond policymaking, the CTFS acts as a central hub for coordinating responses to food safety incidents, such as contamination outbreaks or regulatory alerts.
By working closely with national food safety authorities and international partners, it ensures timely action and effective risk management.
CAHFSA provides administrative and logistical support to the CTFS, facilitating its operations and ensuring alignment with regional goals.
Specialized working groups within the task force tackle specific projects, such as developing food safety guidelines and conducting risk assessments.
With the CTFS in place, the Caribbean is moving toward a more cohesive and resilient food safety system, reducing trade barriers while protecting consumers.
By fostering regional cooperation and aligning food safety regulations, the task force helps position CARICOM as a stronger player in the global food trade.
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