ZFDA BACKGROUND
Regulating both food and drugs is essential to protect the well-being of individuals and communities. Regulatory Authorities around the World provides the oversight needed to prevent harm, ensures product quality, promotes innovation, and builds trust in the market place.
In line with Zanzibar Vision 2020 and the Zanzibar Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (ZSGRP), in 2006, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar enacted the Zanzibar Food, Drugs and Cosmetics (Act, No.2 of 2006) which established Zanzibar Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Board (ZFDCB) to contribute to the achievement of the country’s socio-economic goals and protection of public health.
In 2017, the Act No. 2/2006 was amended by Act No. 3/2017 where the Zanzibar Food and Drug Agency (ZFDA) was established. The Agency operates as a regulatory body under the Ministry of Health in Zanzibar, with the primary goal of safeguarding the safety, quality, and efficacy of various products, including food, medicines, cosmetics, medical devices, and diagnostics. Since its establishment, ZFDA has been an instrumental in protecting the public from substandard and falsified medicines, food and cosmetics;
MANDATE OF THE AGENCY
The Zanzibar Food and Drug Agency is identified as a public institution mandated to protect and promote public health by ensuring quality, safety and effectiveness of food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices.
ZFDA expert team is dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of food and drugs in the Zanzibar. The Agency prioritize public health and safety while holding violators accountable through legal actions and penalties to safeguard the well-being of the community.
FUNCTIONS OF THE AGENCY
There are about 18 functions of ZFDA as stipulated in the Zanzibar Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, No. 2 of 2006 and its amendments Act No. 3 of 2017. They can be summarized into three core functions
- Inspection and Enforcement
ZFDA’s Inspection and Enforcement function ensures product safety and quality through regular inspections and strict enforcement measures.
2. Evaluation and Registration
ZFDA’s Evaluation and Registration function evaluates product safety and effectiveness, ensuring compliance with regulations before registering approved products for distribution. We prioritize public health and safety.
3. Analysis and Testing
ZFDA’s Analysis and Testing function rigorously tests products for safety and quality, ensuring they meet high standards before release. We prioritize public health and safety.