The Addis Ababa Food
& Drug Authority (AAFDA) has taken legal and administrative measures
against 933 food and health institutions over the past three quarters for
non-compliance with safety standards.
Executive Manager Muluemebet Tadesse for the AAFDA made the announcement during a recognition ceremony where 11 institutions were awarded for outstanding adherence to national regulatory guidelines in the 2024/25 fiscal year.
Over 1,600 preliminary inspections were conducted, Muluemebet noted, emphasising that food safety is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration across the supply chain.
Deputy Director General for the Authority, Negash Sime, stressed the importance of regulatory strength and stakeholder engagement to safeguard public health.
He urged intensified efforts in high-risk sectors, while praising the recognised institutions for setting industry benchmarks.
The event also
spotlighted global concerns, noting that foodborne illnesses impact 600 million
people annually and cause over 420,000 deaths, including 125,000 children.