TBS steps up bakery inspections oversight

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has stepped up regulatory oversight of Dar es Salaam’s bakery sector following inspections of about 200 bakeries.

The move underscores the need to strengthen food safety standards and improve the business operating environment in the industry.

Dar es Salaam accounts for about 320 bakeries, representing 93 per cent of more than 590 bakeries registered nationwide, according to statistics that underline the city’s central role in the bakery sector and the importance of enforcing quality and safety standards.

According to statistics, demand for bread in the country has surged, showing a yearly growth rate of 4.7 per cent.

Dr Katunzi said TBS inspections revealed gaps in standards compliance, prompting training for bakery traders in Dar es Salaam.

“When such products are produced without observing food safety measures, they can pose dangers to public health, especially to children, who are particularly vulnerable to illnesses caused by food contamination,” she said.

She said observing quality and safety standards in the production of bakery products will help reduce diseases caused by unsafe food and increase consumer confidence in locally produced products.

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Dr Katunzi said the training aligns with government efforts to improve people’s living standards through the economic empowerment of women and youths, noting that bakery businesses are among the sectors providing employment opportunities for these groups.

Tanzania’s bread import market is on a steady rise, with projections indicating it will reach approximately 8.2 million US dollars by 2028. This marks an increase from around 7.2 million in 2023, growing at an annual compound rate of 2.1 per cent.

On the export front, Tanzania is also experiencing significant growth. Bread exports are expected to hit roughly 106.5 million US dollars by 2028, up from 82.3 million US dollars in 2023. This reflects an average annual growth rate of 4.1 per cent.

According to Dr Katunzi, TBS continues to empower traders and manufacturers through education on standards, consumer safety and business improvement to ensure products comply with legal requirements.