Visit to Model *Injera* Baking...

Visit to Model *Injera* Baking (Production) Facilities under the Yeka Branch Office of the Food and Medicine Authority

February 20, 2019

Eleven branch office heads, directors, central management members, and senior officials conducted a visit to model *injera* baking (production) facilities. The purpose of the visit was to scale up the best practices derived from the integrated inspection, support, and monitoring activities carried out by the Yeka Branch Office of the Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Authority.

The branch office undertook continuous inspection and monitoring to ensure these facilities meet required standards. This initiative was prompted by recurring public concerns regarding hygiene, product quality, pricing, and food contamination at *injera* baking facilities, as well as by deficiencies in standards observed during field monitoring. The Yeka Branch Office, through field observations, identified gaps within the *injera*-baking sheds. By consulting with shed administrators and relevant stakeholders, the office established corrective measures and set a 30-day deadline for 47 *injera*-baking sheds to meet essential hygiene and food safety standards. Through mandatory contractual agreements and continuous monitoring and supervision, the branch has successfully developed "model" sheds.

As part of this process, sheds that met the required standards were issued certificates of health compliance, while three establishments deemed unsuitable for *injera* production were required to relocate and shift their line of business.

This integrated approach—encompassing supervision, support, and monitoring—plays a significant role in strengthening public health protection, improving food quality and safety assurance, addressing public grievances effectively, and fostering better coordination between the institution and its stakeholders.

Participants and leadership involved in the site visit noted that, moving forward, it is essential to consolidate this success through regular monitoring, sustain the awareness of shed owners and the engagement of stakeholders, and scale this experience to other branch offices.