Arada Food and Drug Branch Off...

Arada Food and Drug Branch Office Disposes of Expired Products Worth Over 1.5 Million Birr

January 16, 2026 (Tahsas 7, 2018 E.C.)

The Arada Branch Office of the Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Authority (AAFMA) conducted its mid-year performance evaluation in the presence of various organized structures, the business community, and relevant stakeholders.

During the forum, Mrs. Tigist Bedada, Deputy Director General of the Competency Certification Sector, stated that the Authority is working extensively to empower institutions by continuously improving its working procedures. She emphasized that businesses must clearly understand their rights and obligations. She also urged the public to collaborate by reporting any administrative gaps or illegal activities through the 8864 hotline.

According to technical reports presented by branch experts for the half-year period:

• Regulatory inspections were conducted on 58 health facilities, 32 pharmacies, 497 food establishments, and 117 health-related institutions.

• Competency certifications were issued for 111 health facilities, 57 pharmacies, 537 food establishments, and 133 health-related entities.

• Expired and spoiled food, medicine, and health-related products worth 1,541,273.5 ETB were successfully removed and disposed of.

Furthermore, detailed briefings were provided regarding proclamations, regulations, and hygiene and environmental health directives (Directive No. 121/2014), focusing on the roles of inspectors and the powers of the executive body.

Forum participants acknowledged the progress but suggested that more rigorous inspections are needed for food establishments, groceries, local bakeries (Injera houses), and butcher shops.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Solomon Gebrebiher, Manager of the Arada Branch Office, underscored that institutions must provide modern services that match the standard of Addis Ababa. He highlighted that risk-based inspections are being prioritized for butcher shops, Injera houses, and juice bars to ensure they maintain quality standards and protect public health.