By By: Domingo Dargbeh
Congo Town, Monrovia – Commerce Ministry announced on Thursday the launch of new administrative guidelines for all frozen foods imported within the Country.
The guidelines according to a Commerce Ministry release will take effect on August 1, 2024. The guidelines are designed to enhance food
effect, to ensure quality, and promote fair market practices in the frozen food sector which is vital to enhance the nutritional well-being of the Liberian populace.
The Ministry said the guidelines are aimed at creating a robust framework that facilitates the importation of storage, distribution, and sale of frozen foods across the nation.
The measures are also intended to uphold the highest standards of safety and quality, supporting economic development, protecting the environment, and contributing positively to the health and wellbeing of the Liberian populations. The Ministry of Commerce is at the same time cautioning importers to comply with business registration, tax labor, and Conforms with immigration laws of Liberia, where applicable.
Frozen foods are integral to the Liberian diet, providing essential nutrients through proteins and other products With the rising demand and challenges posed by domestic production capacities, as it’s crucial to ensure that these foods are safe, affordable, and of high standards.
The release added that all importers must have an approved import permit declaration from the Ministry prior to the importation of their products,Health and Safety
standards.
Transportation and storage labeled are use with required Importers certified instructions, batch and storage must have numbers, plans and maintain facilities and a potential production place strict for allergens cold Traceability and the chain of expiration and management from Disposal Labeling, the released noted.
The Ministry of Commerce and industry in collaboration With relevant
sector institutions will provide handling instructions and initiate public health
campaigns to educate consumers and importers about the risks associated with proper handling of frozen foods.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce at the same time assured Public Health and Fair Trade thereby urging all
Stakeholders to adhere to the released regulations to help ensure that frozen foods in Liberia are safe, affordable, and of the highest quality.
