WHO supports Kiribati to employ a One Health approach to advancing food safety

2 September 2024

Kiribati consists of 33 coral atolls and islands in the central Pacific Ocean and relies heavily on imports, particularly for food items. Like many Pacific Island countries, Kiribati transports imported food items from the main island to the other outer islands and this poses a significant logistical challenge. Food has already traveled long distances across multiple countries, and it must travel further to reach the local community — potentially compromising the quality and safety of the food.

In June 2024, the Kiribati Government, in partnership with WHO, facilitated multisectoral consultations to undertake a review of the country’s existing Food Safety Act and Regulations., to identify areas in need of amendment. Whilst the Act has served as a robust basis for food safety activities, various stakeholders have raised concerns around its interpretation and problematic loopholes. Regulation challenges include limitations in the dentification, investigation and control of food incidents in Kiribati.

The WHO-led multisectoral consultative review of Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations saw participation from various stakeholders including the Ministry of Health & Medical Services’ Environmental Health Team, the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development’s

Quarantine and Biosecurity Unit, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Cooperatives, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, law enforcement officers and the Office of the Attorney General. Convening stakeholders across various ministries, geographical locations, and areas of expertise is central to the One Health approach to food safety. Emphasizing the importance of this approach, Nika Bwaueri, acting Chief Health Inspector, Ministry of Health and Medical Services shared, “Food safety is everyone’s business, thus multisectoral collaboration is essential.”

Insights from this consultative, collaborative process will strengthen food safety legislation and enable stronger implementation of regulations. Scroll through quotes by participants on the need for reviewing Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations and the value of applying the One Health approach to amending the Act.

WHO / J Kayamori
Maritaake Ioane, Health Inspector, Ministry of Health and Medical Services shares her perspective during the multisectoral consultation to review of the Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations

Maritaake Ioane, Health Inspector, Ministry of Health and Medical Services

“Multisectoral collaboration is essential for food safety. We must go beyond health to leverage the expertise and resources of other stakeholders including agriculture, environment, and trade sectors. This collaborative approach ensures the comprehensive management of food safety risk, addressing the entire food chain from production to consumption. By working together, I think these sectors can create a cohesive strategy that promotes a safer food supply, protects public health, and supports sustainable development in Kiribati.”

WHO / J Kayamori
Tarome Takaua, Health Inspector, Ministry of Health and Medical Services shared her perspective during the multisectoral consultation to review of the Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations.

Ms Tarome Takaua , Health Inspector, Ministry of Health and Medical Services

“I’m part of a team that inspects food imported into Kiribati to check if they’re fit for consumption and in compliance with food safety regulations. We face a lot of challenges during these inspections that aren’t being addressed by the current The Food Safety Act and Regulations. The Act needs to be reviewed so that our work can be strengthened.”

WHO / J Kayamori
Tekataake Oromita, Agriculture and Livestock Division, shares her perspective during the multisectoral consultation to review of the Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations.

Tekataake Oromita, Agriculture and Livestock Division, Quarantine & Biosecurity Unit, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Developments

“On many occasions, when we are clearing food or food-related items at the border, we end up stepping on the toes of officers from environmental health or other border agencies because our roles and responsibilities are not clear. We realized this during the recent multisectoral discussion on Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations. To better implement measures to address food safety we need better coordination among various agencies and stakeholders, we need well-defined roles and responsibilities, so that each of us are more efficient in our efforts and don’t repeat the same tasks. Bringing us all to the same table, convening various stakeholders, is the first step in this direction.”

WHO / J Kayamori
Tekennara Tioti, Quality Promotion Officer, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Cooperatives shared her perspective during the multisectoral consultation to review of the Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations

Tekennara Tioti, Quality Promotion Officer, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Cooperatives

“My job is to promote quality food that is safe for people to consume. We needed to address gaps in food safety regulations. It is vital that people working across ministries and departments align better to ensure that people receive the best quality food. This collaboration, discussion, and joint effort to address legislation gaps will help us all do our jobs better. We’ll be able to ensure the quality and safety of food.”

WHO / J Kayamori
Roia Lipine, Consumer Protection Officer, shared her perspective during the multisectoral consultation to review of the Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations

Roia Lipine. Consumer Protection Officer, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Cooperatives

“Food is vital to our lives. Kiribati people should know how to take better care of the food they are selling, buying or consuming. Insights from this consultative discussion will inform public information campaigns on food safety. They will help us to draft better messages for consumers and ultimately safeguard people’s health. Amendments to Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations are important. We are aware of gaps between the Food Safety Act and the Consumer Protection Act – and the impact that they have on the public. The amendments that we’re now drafting will help to bridge these gaps.”

WHO / J Kayamori
Mamara Ubaitoi, Kiribati Police Services, Office of Te Beretitenti shared his perspective during the multisectoral consultation to review of the Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations

Mamara Ubaitoi, Kiribati Police Services, Office of Te Beretitenti

“Food Safety Act and Regulations need to be enforced by the police to ensure food safety. So, it is vital to involve the police when amendments are being drafted. As islanders, we really enjoy our food. But we have a lot of obesity in our country. It was very inspiring to be part of an effort that prioritizes the health of consumers – and ensures they have access to good quality, healthy and safe food.”

WHO / J Kayamori
Ereta Bruce, Director for Legislative Drafting, shares her perspective during the multisectoral consultation to review of the Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations

Ereta Bruce, Director for Legislative Drafting, Office of the Attorney General

“Food safety is not just for the Ministry of Health, there are many other stakeholders who must input into amendments to the Food Safety Act and Regulations. The laws that ensure people’s health — laws that are for the people — should involve contributions by the people. So, it is great to see that the process to amend food safety regulations involves consumers themselves. It is very inspiring to be part of this multisectoral review of the Food Safety law, to contribute to making it stronger and bridging gaps.”

WHO / J Kayamori
Taarai Abere, Seafood Verification Officer, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development shared her perspective during the multisectoral consultation to review of the Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations.

Taarai Abere, Seafood Verification Officer, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development

“In Kiribati, fish is the main source of our protein. Ensuring the safety and quality of fish and fishery products is a major part of my work. During this consultative meeting, we learned how to work with other sectors to better complement each other’s work and ultimately strengthen the enforcement of Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations.”

WHO / J Kayamori
Kaiea Toromon, Enforcement Officer, shared his perspective during the multisectoral consultation to review of the Kiribati’s Food Safety Act and Regulations

Kaiea Toromon, Enforcement Officer, Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs

“I was very happy to be involved in formulating amendments to the Food Safety Act and Regulations. We have too many informal food sellers on our island that need to know how to comply with food safety laws when preparing, selling or transporting food. The public must also be aware of these measures so that they can play a more active role in safeguarding the food they consume.”

WHO/ J Kayamori
Dr Tanebu Tong acting Director of Public Health (DPH), Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Kiribati

Dr Tanebu Tong, acting Director of Public Health (DPH), Ministry of Health and Medical Services

"The consultations on the Food Safety Act and Regulations have provided us with valuable insights and guidance from our community and stakeholders. Through these discussions, we aim to create practical and effective food safety regulations that protect public health. We are grateful for the participation and input from everyone involved, which helps us ensure that our food safety measures are inclusive and robust. These consultations are a testament to our commitment to working together to improve the health and safety of all our citizens."

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