National Food Safety Institute (NFSI)

Company Slogan: Advancing Safety and Quality, Making you better

Why National Food Safety Institute was founded

The National Food Safety Institute is a private company limited by Guarantee established to bridge the gaps in the scientific knowledge, skills and technology needed to inculcate a food safety culture in Uganda and Africa, enhance health and welfare of consumers and trading in better markets. The NFSI has a mandate to undertake research and development, innovations and digitization, conformity assessment and training services in food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, standards and trade.  

Food safety is a critical public health issue, particularly in developing countries like Uganda, where foodborne illnesses are prevalent due to lack of data to support policy and operational decisions, weak conformity assessment regimes, inadequate regulatory frameworks, poor infrastructure, limited expertise among value chain operators, regulators and other stakeholders, limited public awareness and low adoption of international best practices standards.  The establishment of National Food Safety Institute (NFSI) was essential to address these challenges, enhance food safety standards, and promote trade both domestically, across Africa and beyond. The institute serves as a center of excellence for research, innovation, conformity assessment, and training in food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, and standards.

How National Food Safety Institute contributes to Ugandan and African Economy

Uganda’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. However, the sector faces challenges related to food safety, including contamination, poor handling practices, and limited compliance with international standards. These issues hinder trade, particularly in regional markets like the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The NFSI addresses these gaps by providing evidence-based solutions, capacity building, and fostering innovation in food safety.

The establishment of a National Food Safety Institute in Uganda was a strategic initiative to address food safety challenges, enhance public health, and boost trade. By focusing on research, innovation, conformity assessment, and training, the NFSI is playing a pivotal role in transforming Uganda’s food safety landscape and positioning the country as a leader in food safety across Africa.

The services of the National Food Safety Institute (NFI) bring the following benefits to Uganda and African Economy:

1. Public Health Protection: Reducing foodborne illnesses through improved safety standards
2. Trade Facilitation: Enhancing compliance with international SPS measures to boost exports
3. Economic Growth: Strengthening the agricultural sector by improving food safety practices
4. Innovation and Digitization: Leveraging technology to modernize food safety systems
5. Regional Leadership: Positioning Uganda as a hub for food safety expertise in Africa.

Vision

National Food Safety Institute (NFSI) envisions to be the leading institution in Africa for advancing food safety through research, innovation, conformity assessment and capacity building, ensuring safe food for all and enhancing trade competitiveness

Mission

The Mission of the National Food Safety Institute is to advance the implementation of food safety and SPS standards through cutting-edge research, innovation, conformity assessment, and training, fostering public health, economic growth, and regional integration.

Objectives

The NFSI advances implementation of food safety and standards through achievement of the following key objectives:

1. To conduct research and development activities to address food safety challenges
2. Develop and promote innovative and digital solutions for food safety management and control and trade facilitation
3. Provide conformity assessment services to ensure compliance with national and international standards
4. Build capacity through training and education on food safety and SPS measures and standards and well as their role in trade development and facilitation
5. Support policy development and implementation for food safety and trade.
6. Support and collaborate with regional and international partners to harmonize standards and practices

Scope of Work for the National Food Safety Institute (NFSI)

1. Research and Development: The NFSI will undertake research and development activities with focus to:
   • Investigate foodborne hazards and contamination sources to determine the associated risks affecting the different products and determining the consumers at risk
   • Develop and determine appropriate approaches, techniques and practices for food safety risk reduction and mitigating the effect of the risks
   • Develop new technologies for food hazard detection and methods for food testing
   • Study the impact of food safety practices on public health and trade
2. Innovation and Digitization:
   • Develop digital tools for food traceability and monitoring.
   • Promote the use of block chain, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in food safety systems.
   • Create platforms for data sharing and collaboration to support stakeholders’ synergies, regulatory simplification and business compliance
3. Conformity Assessment:
   • Certify food products for compliance with national and international standards.
   • Conduct inspections and audits of food production and handling facilities
   • Provide laboratory testing services for different food safety parameters
4. Training and Capacity Building:
   • Offer training and educational programs for food handlers, regulators, and other industry stakeholders
   • Develop educational materials and guidelines on food safety and SPS measures
   • Organize workshops and seminars to disseminate best practices
5. Policy and Advocacy:
   • Support the development of food safety policies and regulations.
   • Advocate for the adoption of harmonized standards across Africa.
   • Engage with stakeholders to promote food safety awareness

How National Food Safety Institute Bridges the scientific, skills and technology while fostering a food safety culture

The services of National Food Safety Institute address critical gaps in scientific knowledge, skills, and technology, while fostering a robust food safety culture in Uganda and Africa at large. By enhancing compliance with international standards, the institute unlocks new trade opportunities, improve public health, and elevate the welfare of consumers. Its impact extends beyond Uganda, contributing to the transformation of Africa’s food safety landscape and positioning the continent as a competitive player in global markets. National Food Safety Institute (NFSI) plays a transformative role in bridging scientific knowledge, skills, and technology gaps. It can also improve the food safety culture in Uganda and across Africa, ultimately enhancing trade in better markets and safeguarding the health and welfare of consumers. The NFSI achieves these goals as indicated below:

1. Bridging Scientific Knowledge Gaps

• Research and Development (R&D):
  • The NFSI conducts targeted research to identify and address critical food safety challenges, such as contamination, pesticide residues, aflatoxins, and microbial hazards.
  • By generating evidence-based data, the institute informs policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders about emerging risks and effective mitigation strategies
  • Collaboration with universities, research institutions, and international organizations facilitates knowledge exchange and adoption of global best practices.
• Technology Transfer:
  • The institute acts as a hub for transferring advanced food safety technologies and methodologies from developed countries to Uganda and other African nations
  • This includes introducing modern laboratory techniques, rapid testing methods, and innovative food production and processing technologies
• Knowledge Dissemination:
  • Publishing research findings, guidelines, and policy briefs helps disseminate scientific knowledge to stakeholders, including farmers, processors, regulators, and consumers.
  • Organizing conferences, workshops, and webinars creates platforms for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration.

2. Bridging Skills Gaps

• Capacity Building and Training:
  • The NFSI can design and implement training programs for food handlers, regulators, and industry players on food safety practices, SPS measures, and compliance with international standards.
  • Tailored training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can help them meet export requirements, thereby enhancing their market access.
• Certification Programs:
  • Offering certification programs for food safety professionals will create a pool of skilled personnel who can drive food safety improvements across the value chain
  • Training programs on digital tools and technologies (e.g., block chain, IoT, AI) will equip stakeholders with the skills needed to modernize food safety systems
• Partnerships with Educational Institutions:
  • Collaborating with universities and vocational training institutions to integrate food safety and SPS measures into curricula ensures a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.

3. Bridging Technology Gaps

• Innovation and Digitization:
  • The NFSI develops and promotes digital tools for food safety monitoring, food traceability, and food safety data management. For example, block chain technology enhances transparency in the food supply chain
  • Mobile applications and IoT devices enable real-time monitoring of food safety parameters, such as cleaning and hygiene performance indicators such as pest control, temperature and humidity, during production, storage and transportation
  • AI-powered analytics can help predict and prevent food safety risks by analyzing large datasets
• Modern Laboratory Infrastructure:
  • Establishing state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced testing equipment will enable accurate and timely detection of foodborne hazards
  • These facilities will serve as regional hubs for testing and certification, reducing the need for waiting too long to receive results from capacity overstretched Ugandan labs or samples to be sent abroad for analysis
• Pilot Projects:
  • The institute pilots innovative food safety technologies and practices, demonstrating their effectiveness and encouraging adoption by industry stakeholders.

4. Improving Food Safety Culture

• Public Awareness Campaigns:
  • The NFSI collaborates with sister-organization the Food Safety Promotion and Advocacy Centre (FOSAPAC) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, civil society, academic and industry to lead nationwide campaigns to educate consumers about the importance of food safety, proper food handling, and the risks of consuming unsafe food
  • Engaging media, schools, and community organizations also helps embed food safety as a cultural norm.
• Industry Engagement:
  • Working closely with food producers, processors, and retailers to adopt best practices creates a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Working with FOSAPAC and Key stakeholders to recognize and reward businesses, stakeholders and other players that excel in food safety will incentivize others to follow suit
• Policy Advocacy:

The institute works with FOSAPAC to contribute to information for advocating for stronger food safety regulations and enforcement mechanisms, creating an environment where compliance is non-negotiable

5. Enhancing Trade in Better Markets

• Conformity Assessment and Certification:
  • By providing reliable conformity assessment services, the NFSI will help Ugandan food products meet international SPS standards, making them eligible for export to high-value markets. The NSFI’s effort is very critical to support MSMEs in Uganda and across Africa that cannot afford exorbitant charges by the international conformity assessment bodies operating in Uganda and on the African continent, to export in prime markets
  • Certification of compliance with standards such as Codex Alimentarius, ISO, and HACCP will enhance the credibility of Ugandan products.
• Harmonization of Standards:
  • The NFSI works with regional bodies like the East African Community (EAC), AUC and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to harmonize food safety standards, reducing trade barriers and facilitating intra-and extra-African trade
• Market Access Support:
  • The NFSI works with it mother Company – Food Safety Associates Limited (FSA) to avail information for providing technical assistance to exporters to meet the requirements of target markets which boost Uganda’s and/or Africa’s competitiveness in global trade.

6. Safeguarding Consumer Health and Welfare

• Reducing Foodborne Illnesses:
  • By improving food safety practices across the value chain, the NFSI significantly contributes to reducing of the incidence of foodborne diseases, protecting public health
• Consumer Confidence:
  • Ensuring the safety and quality of food products builds consumer trust in locally produced foods, encouraging domestic consumption and supporting local industries
• Nutrition and Food Security:
  • Safe food is essential for good nutrition. The NFSI efforts will contribute to improved nutrition outcomes and overall food security.

7. Regional Leadership and Collaboration

• Hub for Africa:
  • By its very existence in Uganda, the NFSI is positioning Uganda as a regional leader in food safety with a focus of offering training, certification and testing, services to other African countries.
• Knowledge Sharing:
  • By collaborating with regional and international partners, the NFSI facilitates the exchange of knowledge, technologies, and best practices, benefiting the entire continent.

What is the Background and History of National Food Safety Institute?

The NFSI was established by Food Safety Associates Limited in collaboration of the key stakeholders to bridge the gaps in scientific knowledge, skills and technology while promoting a food safety culture, enhancing trade in better markets and health and welfare of consumers. The gaps were realized following the 15 years of operation of Food Safety Associates Limited (FSA) in several countries in African country, which realized limitation in its mandate as private for profit making company could not help to address. At first the institute operated as an entity of the FSA which was run as a department – operating under the name National Food Safety Foundation mainly on research and some innovative activities to identify food safety practices recommended to industries that were being supported through Technical assistance delivered by the mother company FSA. Later through consultation with stakeholders in government, industry and academia it was decided to establish the NFSI as an independent body with larger mandate covering research and development, conformity assessment, innovations and Training. The training component was moved from FSA where training services were offered through the Food Safety Academy which operated also as a department under FSA that provided only certificate courses in food safety.  Under the National Food Safety Institute, the scope of the training programmes were expanded to include training in food safety certificate and diploma courses.   Therefore, the National Food Safety Institute runs four directorates each for Research and Development; Innovations and Digitization; Conformity Assessment and Training.

What are the Core Services of the National Food Safety Institute?

The core services of the NFSI covers:

1. Conducting Research and Development activities in the areas of food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, quality standards, sustainability and other specialty standards and trade related requirements
2. Undertaking conformity assessment services for food safety and SPS measures, Quality, sustainability and other specialty standards and trade related requirements
3. To undertake innovation and related digitization activities in the fields of food safety and SPS, quality standards, sustainability and other specialty standards and trade related requirements
4. To undertake education and training services in food safety and SPS, quality standards, sustainability and other specialty standards and trade related requirements

For research and development, NFSI has established a research portfolio covering major areas as aligned to the African Union Commission (AU) Implementation Plan for Food Safety Strategy for Africa. The NFSI shall conduct scoping and assessment studies to establish food safety challenges, scope the appropriate interventions, test the veracity of the interventions and methods of interventions, develop methods and tools to detect the food safety risks and evaluate the effectiveness of food safety measures.  The research will cover four distinct areas as outline in the NFSI Research Strategy for 2025-2035. They include: As the outputs of the research, NFSI envisions to be the leading industry guide in developing standards of best practices. And backed by high level scientific expertise NFSI will guide development of reliable standards to ensure high level assurance of food safety supporting confidence building in safety of consumers, traders and regulators of food products

For Conformity Assessment the NFSI has establish a conformity assessment portfolio aimed to offer credible accreditation services in areas of product testing, inspection, auditing, verification, validation, registration and certification. NFSI’s certification mark shall symbolize compliance where its credibility shall be selflessly guarded through ensuring fairness, impartiality, independence, transparency, maintenance of accreditation, observance of regulatory requirements, scientific ideals, and observance of established policies, procedures and industry norms. Therefore, NFSI is already seeking accreditation for ISO 17020 to be accredited as a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB). The NFSI is dedicated to impartiality in execution of inspection, testing, auditing, verification, registration and certification activities

Innovation sits at the center of NFSI services for it guides the identification of food safety risk points and helps to discover solutions before the businesses and consumers are hurt unsafe food. The innovations activities focus to deliver safe food on a sustainable basis. These innovations will help to guide the writing of standards for food products, code of good practices and protocols used in the production and handling of food or in testing and measuring compliance of the products with the standards. This will include developing the technologies and tools for improving compliance, testing and measuring compliance and mitigating the effects of non-compliance

For training the NFSI designs and delivers training courses relating to any areas of food safety expertise which are delivered physically in Training Seminars or Virtually in Webinars. There are 24 scheduled training courses which are continuously offered on monthly basis that are in both Certificate and Diploma categories. The NFSI also participates in national, regional and international conferences to offer insights on implementing appropriate food safety practices, standards and innovation to facilitate Uganda and African agro-business participation in the world markets

The NFSI Revenue Sources

1. Training Programs: Fees from training workshops and courses.
2. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations with private sector entities.
3. Service Fees: Revenue from conformity assessment, certification, and laboratory testing services.
4. Government Collaboration: NFSI shall seek collaboration with government to implement priority Research and Development, Innovation Conformity Assessment and Training projects
5. Grants and Donor Support: Funding from international organizations and development partners