Editorial: Deepening phytosanitary controls for public health is crucial

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has tightened controls on imports as the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) tightens control on poultry and table-egg imports from 40 countries including Ghana.

Can Ghana take a cue?

The import-ban list also confirms that imports from these countries are fully prohibited, with additional restrictions imposed on 16 other nations amid ongoing global disease concerns in the Saudi territory.

The ban was issued as part of precautionary measures aimed at protecting public health and reinforcing food safety in Saudi Arabia’s local market. SFDA stressed that the list of restricted countries is subject to periodic review in line with global health developments.

Among the primary concerns cited are outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza. This approach reflects continuous monitoring of the global epidemiological situation and regulatory adjustments based on evolving disease patterns.

According to the Chamber of Agribusi (CAG), responding to the ban, Ghana’s inclusion in the list alongside major major economies like Germany, Japan, the UK and China among others reflects the non-discriminatory and risk-based character of the SFDA’s posture.

This illustrates the need for Ghana to build and deepen a regulatory infrastructure that sustains and demonstrates credibility to the international community.

CAG’s CEO, Anthony Morrison, explained that countries which leave their populations exposed to preventable disease due to lack of investment in world-class food safety and animal health systems will not command global market access.

CAG therefore calls on government and key stakeholders including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Veterinary Council and MoFA to as a matter of urgency acknowledge that the Saudi import ban is not merely a trade matter, but illustrates the need for Ghana to build and deepen regulatory infrastructure.

In addition to the full ban, a partial ban has been imposed targetting specific provinces and cities in 16 countries – including Australia, the United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, the Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to Saudi authorities, restrictions in the partial-ban category apply only to designated states and cities rather than nationwide prohibitions.

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