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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Food Safety Policies in Portugal: A Stakeholder-Based Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities for Food Safety Governance

  • 0Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Foods (basel, Switzerland) +

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May 14, 2025

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May 14, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Portugal's National Integrated Multiannual Control Plan (NIMCP) shows satisfactory compliance, but coordination and communication gaps hinder food safety governance. Improving these areas is key to strengthening public health and consumer confidence.

Area Of Science

  • Food safety governance
  • Public health policy
  • European Union food regulations

Background

  • Food safety is crucial for public health, economic stability, and consumer confidence.
  • Portugal's National Integrated Multiannual Control Plan (NIMCP) aligns with EU food regulations.
  • Challenges exist in NIMCP implementation, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess stakeholder perceptions of the NIMCP in Portugal.
  • To identify compliance levels, implementation barriers, and improvement strategies.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of food safety governance.

Main Methods

  • Mixed-methods approach utilizing a structured online survey.
  • Survey distributed to 217 stakeholders from public, private, and consumer sectors.
  • Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) used to prioritize objectives.

Main Results

  • Stakeholders perceive satisfactory NIMCP compliance, particularly in animal health and risk control.
  • Barriers include fragmented governance, poor inter-agency communication, and resource constraints.
  • Plant health and official controls face implementation challenges.

Conclusions

  • The NIMCP is generally viewed as effective, but systemic improvements are necessary.
  • Enhanced coordination, communication, and resource allocation are vital for better food safety governance.
  • A structured, integrated approach is recommended for NIMCP implementation to bolster public health and consumer trust.

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