< Back FAEA Drives Key Progress in Kenya’s Food Safety Legislation March 2021 Building on the momentum from December 2020’s initial task force meeting in Naivasha, FAEA and USDA continued their support of Kenya’s food and feed safety regulatory overhaul by facilitating a crucial follow-up event in March 2021. This meeting marked a significant next step in Kenya’s journey toward enacting comprehensive food safety legislation that aligns with international best practices. The gathering brought together top officials from multiple ministries, technical experts and international advisors with the primary objective of drafting a food safety bill based on the updated policy established in the previous meetings. The discussions focused on refining the draft policy document and aligning it with Kenya’s current governance structures and international commitments. By emphasizing a risk-based approach grounded in science, the draft bill aims to address Kenya’s unique food safety challenges while setting a strong legal foundation for future regulatory efforts. A notable outcome of the meeting was the completion of a draft food safety bill that not only outlines clear mandates for various regulatory agencies but also resolves longstanding issues related to coordination and overlapping responsibilities. The task force members worked late into the evenings, demonstrating their dedication to producing a bill that balances regulatory clarity with effective food safety control measures. The participation of high-level government officials, including multiple Principal Secretaries, reaffirmed the commitment to a unified approach and the importance of collaboration across ministries. Presentations from U.S. food safety regulators and other international experts provided valuable insights, helping the task force navigate the complexities of creating a regulatory framework that is both nationally relevant and globally compliant. Looking ahead, the task force will focus on engaging parliamentary committees, finalizing the coordination framework, and conducting broader stakeholder consultations. These next steps are critical as Kenya moves closer to enacting a food safety law that not only safeguards public health but also positions the country for enhanced trade opportunities. Previous Next

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CODEX Codex Meetings Calendar Codex Worldwide, not all countries adopt or abide by Codex, World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) standards. In some cases, the standards are set without full knowledge and understanding of the science that supports or does not support them. In other cases, a country may adopt strict standards in order to protect domestic producers from competition with imported products. In both cases, the consequences can negatively impact trade (imports) and limit or negate access to those markets for U.S. food and agricultural products, including meat, poultry, soybeans, feed, feed grains and dairy products. Of course, this also can impact the use of inputs (e.g., vaccines, antibiotics, pesticides, feed additives, etc.) commonly recognized as safe for use in the production of animals and plants in the U.S. In those cases where a country establishes and enforces standards that are not science-based and/or trade-restrictive, FAEA works to educate the relevant authorities to influence changes through participation in committee meetings, workshops, seminars, and other venues so that they comply with internationally recognized standards and standards-setting bodies. FAEA gathers intelligence and reports on Codex issues of interest to FAEA members through its network of contacts in the U.S. and internationally. We use this information to intervene with education and other activities.

< Back FAEA Executive Director Visits Kenya to Assess Food Safety Progress and Plan Next Steps December 2021 In December 2021, FAEA’s Executive Director traveled to Kenya to assess the progress of ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting the country’s development of comprehensive food and feed safety legislation. The visit was a critical step in evaluating the successful completion of Phase I activities and setting the stage for the next phases of the project, which will focus on capacity building and regulatory support. Since mid-2020, FAEA has been actively involved in assisting Kenya in its efforts to modernize food safety regulations. During this visit, the Executive Director met with key stakeholders, including representatives from Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and members of the task force responsible for drafting the new food safety bill. The meetings confirmed that significant strides had been made, culminating in the completion of a draft food safety policy and legislative language. This draft is now poised for submission to Kenya’s Parliament for consideration. The process is not yet complete, with two crucial activities scheduled for January 2022. These include publishing the draft law for public comment and hosting an inter-ministerial meeting to finalize the draft before it is officially submitted. Once these steps are taken, the focus will shift toward Phases II and III of the project, which will involve extensive capacity-building training for regulatory agency staff and providing support in drafting any additional regulations required to implement the new law effectively. Another key objective of the visit was to review the status of the North American Meat Institute’s (NAMI) research into Kenya’s livestock production and meat processing industry. The research highlights significant challenges that continue to impede the sector’s growth, particularly in areas such as feed availability, cold chain infrastructure, and workforce training. Kenya’s meat processing industry is still in its early stages, with most meat production occurring in small-scale, local facilities that lack modern equipment and processing capabilities. The visit revealed that while some larger facilities are striving to modernize, the industry faces substantial hurdles, including inconsistent livestock quality, high feed costs and inadequate cold storage. Stakeholders consistently emphasized the need for improved feed formulations, better herd health practices, and the development of a robust cold chain system to ensure both food safety and the potential for regional export. The visit underscored FAEA’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s journey toward improved food safety and livestock sector development. By facilitating these next phases of the project, FAEA is not only helping Kenya establish a more resilient food safety system but also contributing to the country’s broader economic development by enhancing the capacity of its meat processing industry. Previous Next

< Back FAEA Executive Director Visits Kenya to Set Strategic Direction for 2024 Activities November 2023 In November 2023, FAEA’s Executive Director traveled to Kenya to assess the progress of ongoing initiatives and lay the groundwork for key activities in 2024. The visit focused on evaluating FAEA’s efforts in supporting the implementation of food and feed safety legislation and exploring collaboration opportunities with strategic partners like TradeMark Africa (TMA) and Jomo Kenyatta University. The outcomes of this trip have set a clear direction for FAEA’s strategy in Kenya moving forward. The Executive Director’s visit included productive meetings with TradeMark Africa and Jomo Kenyatta University. During discussions with TMA, both organizations identified several areas of mutual interest, particularly in food and feed safety. This collaboration will focus on jointly conducting capacity-building activities and leveraging each organization’s expertise to support Kenya’s food safety objectives. The visit concluded with a meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, where the FAEA team briefed representatives from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on the organization’s 2024 plans. With a solid plan in place and strong partnerships established, FAEA is poised to make significant strides in 2024. The focus will be on implementing capacity-building activities that target the private sector while exploring opportunities to collaborate with TMA on initiatives involving Kenyan government agencies. The organization remains committed to supporting Kenya’s food and feed safety framework through strategic partnerships and expert-led training programs. FAEA’s work in Kenya continues to be a vital part of its broader mission to enhance global food and feed safety standards. Members can look forward to seeing these initiatives unfold throughout 2024, driving both regulatory progress and industry development in Kenya. Previous Next

Jim Sutter FAEA Chairman CEO USSEC is a dynamic partnership of key stakeholders representing soybean producers, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses and agricultural organizations. Through a global network of international offices and strong support in the U.S., USSEC helps build a preference for U.S. soybeans and soybean products, advocates for the use of soy in feed, aquaculture and human consumption, promotes the benefits of soy use through education and connects industry leaders through a robust membership program. https://www.ussec.org

Advancing Food and Feed Safety Modernization in Nigeria: A Journey of Collaboration and Innovation In November 2023, participants from government agencies, industry, and civil society gathered to tackle a crucial challenge: ensuring the safety of food and animal feed in Nigeria. FAEA, in collaboration with its partners, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMHSW), the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the University of Missouri’s Africa Food Safety Initiative (AFSI), hosted a three-day workshop on Food and Feed Safety Expertise Coordination. This video has been deleted. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied The workshop was attended by over 80 representatives from various Ministries, Department, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the organized private sector and civil society partners. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights and develop a multi-year roadmap for regulatory reform and implementation in the food and feed safety subsector. Throughout the three-day event, participants engaged in expert panel discussions, presentations, break-out sessions, and plenary meetings. Several key decisions were reached: 01 Commitment to Long-term Investment: The workshop underscored a long-term commitment by both public and private sectors to build capacity for food and feed safety in Nigeria. 02 Collaboration as a Key: Stakeholders recognized that collaboration is crucial to ensuring food and feed safety. 03 Implementation of Policies: The reviewed National Policy on Food Safety & Quality and its implementation plan, along with the passage of the National Food Safety and Quality Bill, will modernize the regulatory framework, enhancing public health protection and trade. 04 Formation of Technical Working Groups (TWGs): Four TWGs were recommended for inauguration Risk-based regulations and risk analysis in food and feed safety. Food and SPS (Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary) inspection. Education for all stakeholders and research. Traceability and supporting technologies. 05 Expert Nominations: Nominations for TWG experts will be at the discretion of MDAs, NGOs and the organized private sector, based on established technical profiles. 06 Inauguration of TWGs: Following the approval of the Honorable Minister, the TWGs will be inaugurated to advance their work. 07 Adoption of Submissions: The submissions on priority areas and identified capacity-building needs will guide the work of the TWGs. The workshop concluded with a sense of accomplishment and determination to modernize Nigeria's food and feed safety systems. With the commitment of all stakeholders and the formation of TWGs, Nigeria is well on its way to achieving international standards in food safety, ultimately ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens and enhancing its position in global trade.

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Gina Tumbarello Who We Are Leadership Trade Data Contact Us Executive Director Mail Gina Tumbarello serves as the Executive Director of FAEA, where she provides strategic leadership and oversees all day-to-day operations. She is responsible for shaping FAEA's global programs, directing advocacy efforts, and ensuring alignment with international food and feed safety standards. Under her guidance, FAEA plays a critical role in advancing science-based international regulations and addressing non-tariff barriers to trade. Gina works collaboratively with FAEA’s diverse membership to identify challenges, develop effective strategies, and foster partnerships that strengthen global food systems. Gina brings extensive experience in international trade to her role. Prior to joining FAEA, she spent 14 years at the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), where she spearheaded global initiatives and formulated and executed the U.S. animal food industry's international priorities. Previously, she served as Manager of International Operations at the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), managing market development and access programs in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Earlier in her career, she excelled as a Project Manager at J.E. Austin Associates, focusing on economic development projects under the World Bank and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Gina holds a master’s degree in International Trade Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and a bachelor’s degree in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs and German from Miami University.

FAEA Products FAEA members represent U.S. meat, poultry, dairy, feed grains, feed ingredients, soybean and rendered products. Tariff Codes

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