Egypt, Netherlands discuss strengthening food safety cooperation

Egypt’s National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) Chairman Tarek El-Houby met with the Dutch Agricultural Attaché in Cairo Tjeu Vermeulen to discuss enhancing food safety cooperation, an official statement said on Tuesday.

El-Houby highlighted the authority’s regulatory role in ensuring safe and healthy food for consumers, as well as its responsibility for inspecting imported and exported food shipments at various ports.

He explained that the authority adopts a risk analysis approach and takes necessary measures when deviations are detected, in addition to issuing certificates for exported shipments, the statement added.

Discussions covered potential cooperation in strengthening food safety regulatory processes, exchanging knowledge on aquaculture and scientific research, and enhancing training programmes to develop human resources within the authority.

El-Houby stressed the importance of continuous coordination with the Dutch side to simplify procedures, remove obstacles, and expand trade between the two countries, particularly in food and agricultural products.

For his part, Tiecho Vermlein commended the authority for its efforts in overseeing food safety in Egypt, cooperation with exporters and importers, and opening new markets for Egyptian food exports.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama