Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Senate of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis has approved the Law “On Food Safety” at its 20th plenary session.
The law establishes the legal framework for a unified national food safety system covering all stages of the food chain, from agricultural production and processing to storage, sale and final consumption.
Azizbek Urunov, chairman of the Committee for Food Safety and the representative of the President of Uzbekistan for World Trade Organization affairs, said the law is designed to ensure a comprehensive approach to food safety based on the “farm-to-table” principle.
The need for the new regulation is linked to ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring access to quality food products, improving the quality and competitiveness of agricultural products, and expanding export opportunities.
The law establishes common principles for ensuring the population has access to safe food products, taking into account international requirements. It also provides for more effective state control in the sector.
The legislation clarifies the powers, tasks and responsibilities of the authorized state body. It also introduces and defines concepts related to proper hygiene, production, livestock and agricultural practices.
The procedures, principles and forms of state control over food safety are brought into line with the requirements of an international agreement.
The law contains separate provisions covering products of animal origin and high-risk products. Uzbekistan’s requirements for such products are to be published on the official website of the authorized state body.
According to senators, adoption of the law will strengthen legal mechanisms for ensuring the population’s right to safe and quality food products.
The new provisions are also intended to improve the competitiveness of domestic products, increase the investment attractiveness of the food industry and further expand the country’s export potential.
Urunov said the law forms part of the consistent development of the institutional and regulatory framework for food safety and provides for stronger controls at all stages of the food chain.
The law was approved by the senators.
