Liberia launches Voluntary Third-Party Food Safety Assurance Scheme to strengthen food standards

MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia (GoL) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with support from the European Union (EU) through the Liberia Food Safety Initiative, have launched a Voluntary Third-Party Food Safety Assurance (vTPA) Scheme designed to improve food safety, public health, and trade competitiveness.

The new framework will enable independent organizations to verify that food producers comply with agreed safety standards. 

Certified businesses will receive a badge or certificate, demonstrating their commitment to delivering safe and high-quality food to consumers.

At the launch event in Monrovia on August 28, Honourable Uriah Bryant, Assistant Minister for Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, said the program would “set a new standard for excellence, trust, and safety in Liberia’s food systems.” 

He emphasized that food safety is both a public health necessity and a driver of market access.

“Food safety is everyone’s business. It demands collective responsibility, innovation, and accountability,” Bryant stated. “This initiative is about partnership, defining rules that reflect the realities of producers, processors, and traders while protecting the health of our people.”

The scheme forms part of a €7 million (US$8.2 million) four-and-a-half-year project that targets critical value chains including coffee, cocoa, cassava, rice, and fish. 

According to Isaac F. Donkor, UNIDO Chief Technical Advisor, unsafe food remains a global challenge, causing illness in 600 million people annually and 420 million deaths. 

“Unsafe food reduces productivity, raises health costs, and limits trade opportunities,” he said. “This project will help embed food safety as a culture in Liberia.”

Private sector leaders welcomed the initiative but urged that it remain inclusive and affordable. 

Sandra Perkins-Lighe, CEO of Sandy Group of Companies, called for support to help small and medium-sized enterprises meet standards. 

“The vTPA system builds trust and opens markets, but costs must be manageable so that every business benefits,” she noted.

Civil society voices echoed the need for strong coordination among agencies.

Sayor Wahtoson of the Liberia Consumer Protection Association said, “Food safety has too many actors. This initiative gives us a chance to create a single, effective system to protect every Liberian.”

The program also strengthens Liberia’s food control systems, improves institutional coordination, and establishes a national food safety roadmap. 

By aligning with international standards, it is expected to expand export opportunities while ensuring safer food for domestic consumers.

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