African Union and ILRI partner to develop food safety guidelines for Africa's informal food markets.
The African Union and International Livestock Research Institute have partnered to develop guidelines aimed at improving food safety in Africa's informal food markets, which are crucial for food security, employment, and livelihoods. These markets, where 70% of urban African households buy food, have been largely neglected, leading to foodborne illnesses affecting 90 million Africans annually and costing $16 billion in productivity losses. The new guidelines aim to reflect the realities of African food systems and help African governments engage with the informal sector to improve food safety. The consultation process will continue through 2024 and 2025, with the framework expected to be approved in 2025.