MPs give nod to foods, medicines authority

Lawmakers on Monday approved the establishment of a new agency that will ensure that fortified foods like cereals and milk products, as well as food supplements on the local market, meet national or international standards.The authority will also be in charge of enforcing regulations relating to food safety in public food service establishments.MP Ignatienne Nyirarukundo, the deputy chairperson of the standing committee on social affairs, which previously examined the Bill establishing the Rwanda Food and Medicines Authority (RFMA), explained developments before it was approved. She said the body would help enforce the law governing the regulation of foods and medicines which was passed last year.“In our committee sessions, we noted that it was key to ensure the safety of Rwandans by eliminating the possible dangers of bad drugs and foods. That kind of monitoring is vital and we pondered on issues such as how this body would possibly conflict with the responsibilities of others such as the Rwanda Bureau of Standards which was looking into this matter,” Nyirarukundo said.“We were informed [by the Ministry of Health] that there will be no cause for concern because these bodies will actually complement each other but issues to do with medicines and food will be left entirely to this new body once it is set up.”RFMA’s responsibilities will include monitoring compliance with laws relating to the safety of food and pharmaceutical products, medical devices, poisons, cosmetics, herbal medicines and other health commodities.The RMFA will establish the list of pharmaceutical products used in Rwanda, their medication instructions and illnesses they treat; advise government on all matters regarding food and pharmaceutical products; and build relationships and collaborate with regional or international bodies with similar responsibilities.After the Chamber of Deputies’ approval, the Bill will now go to the Senate.

National

MPs give nod to foods, medicines authority