Assessing the Implementation Status and Challenges of Regulatory Inspection and Licensing Practices on Food Establishments in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia.

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Date

2020-12

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Addis Abeba University

Abstract

Background: In both developing and rich countries, food safety has been a serious health concern. Inspection and licensing of food establishments can help ensure food safety if they are effectively implemented. In the city of Addis Ababa, previous cases of cholera (acute water diarrhea) and food adulteration have been reported often. Objectives:The objective of the study was to assess implementation status and challenges affecting regulatory inspection and licensing practices on food and drink establishments in Addis Ababa Methods: A qualitative case study was employed for this study. A semi-structured questionnaire was admitted to interview 27 purposely identified regulatory inspectors and licensors. In-depth interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed by using a thematic analysis method. The open code software version 4.2 was used for coding and categorization. Results:We found multiple factors that affect regulatory inspection and licensing of food establishments. These factors are categorized as institutional factors, resource-based factors, and inspector-related factors. The main factors identified from the theme categories include: lack of coordination among stake holders, role conflict, the presence of stringent standards, existing low inspector to food establishment ratio, shortage of materials, lack of reward and appreciation, lack of legal protection for inspectors, inadequate training for inspectors and irrelevant training, the competency of office leaders in enforcement, interference of political leaders, and difficulty enforcing regulation. Conclusion: There is low routine inspection coverage and licensing or certificates of competence are not provided according to standards and regulations. The study recommends a more coordinated approach to structural change in professional allocation, installing a reward system for professionals, availing materials needed, and installing relevant training programs to improve the implementation of regulatory inspection and licensing practices. As a result, they achieve the desired inspection coverage to protect the public health from problems arising from food safety problems posed by food establishment malpractice such as adultration.

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Keywords

Inspection ,licensing of food ,food safety

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