Gullele Food and Medicine Cont...

Gullele Food and Medicine Control Authority Branch Office Evaluates Quarterly Performance and Recognizes Outstanding Achievements

The Gullele Branch Office of the Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Authority held a review session with stakeholders regarding its 5-year strategic plan, the 2019 fiscal year plan, and its performance for the first quarter.

During the forum, held on Tikimt 20, 2019 (E.C.), the key activities carried out, achievements attained, and measures taken over the past three months were evaluated.

Key Activities and Achievements

Competency Certification and License Renewal:

·        Competency renewals were granted to 183 establishments, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and service providers in the food and health-related sectors.

·        Licenses were renewed for 65 health institutions and 86 pharmacies.

·        Competency certification renewal services were provided to 8 traditional medicine institutions. ·        Regulatory and Monitoring Activities:

·        Monitoring activities were conducted at 9 public and private health institutions.

·        Regulatory inspections were carried out across more than 570 establishments—including food manufacturers, distributors, retail outlets, service providers, and health-related facilities—with tobacco control measures also implemented within these establishments.

Identified Gaps and Future Directions

·        Based on constructive feedback provided by participants during the review forum, key areas for future focus have been established. These include:

·        Placing a strong emphasis on the regulation of dairy products;

·        Implementing strict monitoring of packaged food and beverage products exposed to sunlight;

·        Conducting intensified regulatory inspections of *injera*-baking facilities.

Other primary areas of focus include addressing food items sold in the vicinity of schools, the distribution of Tramadol, and comprehensive efforts regarding tobacco control. Ms. Mekdes Kassa, the Branch Manager, stated that discussions with stakeholders aimed at enhancing the efficiency of service delivery have been strengthened. She further emphasized that monitoring and regulatory oversight will continue to be intensified to safeguard public health.
Recognition Awards
Finally, certificates of appreciation and recognition were presented to 11 institutions for their active participation in charitable activities and regulatory compliance efforts during the 2018 fiscal year.