The Broadcasting Authority recently expressed concern in connection with televised food preparation programmes.
The concerns focused mainly on some of the practices of those preparing foods regarding food safety and hygiene.
The regulator can set its mind at rest by: 1) ensuring that all those involved in the preparation of food on television possess the food handlers’ licence issued by the Food Safety Commission of the Ministry of Health. This licence is issued to those who followed a course in food safety and hygiene as per LN 178 of 2001.
2) Request the Occupational Health and Safety Authority to send one of its inspectors to visit the television studio where the programmes are to be held to ensure that all the necessary safety measures have been taken.
These two simple actions, if implemented, would do away with the engagement of consultants, report writing, public consultations and other financial and time-consuming exercises.