- Ministry of Health says trained professionals will strengthen food safety, consumer confidence and industry transparency
BY MBONO MDLULI
EZULWINI – Newly certified meat graders have been urged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity as they take on a critical role in protecting public health and strengthening Eswatini’s food safety systems.
Speaking during the Meat Grading Graduation Ceremony held at Royal Villas Hotel in Ezulwini, Ministry of Health Principal Environmental Health Officer Milton Lokothwayo congratulated graduates on completing the specialised training programme and challenged them to use their new skills to advance food safety across the country.
Addressing graduates, government officials and stakeholders from the International Trade Centre (ITC), South African Meat Industry Company (SAMIC) and the private sector, Lokothwayo described the graduation as an important milestone not only for the participants but also for the country’s public health sector.
Meat Grading Critical for Public Health
Lokothwayo highlighted the important link between meat grading, food safety and consumer protection, noting that meat remains a cornerstone of nutrition and livelihoods in Eswatini.
He said proper grading is far more than a technical exercise, describing it as a public health imperative that plays a vital role in protecting consumers from health risks while supporting fair trade practices.
“Ensuring its safety, quality and proper grading is not merely a technical exercise; it is a public health imperative. Accredited meat grading professionals play a vital role in protecting consumers from health risks, supporting fair trade and upholding confidence in our food systems,” he said.
He added that maintaining high standards in meat grading contributes directly to reducing food-borne illnesses, promoting transparency within the meat industry and strengthening consumer trust.
Graduates Become Ambassadors of Food Safety
The newly trained professionals were told that the course had equipped them with knowledge and skills aligned with international standards and best practices.
Lokothwayo said graduates were now ambassadors of food safety, entrusted with safeguarding the health of communities through their work.
“This course has equipped you with knowledge and skills that align with international standards and best practices. You are now ambassadors of food safety, entrusted with safeguarding the health of our communities,” he said.
He encouraged participants to carry forward the values of professionalism, diligence and integrity in every inspection, grading decision and recommendation they make.
“Every grading decision and recommendation you make has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of our people.”
Graduates were urged to remain committed to ensuring that Eswatini’s food systems remain safe, reliable and competitive.
Supporting National Development Goals
According to the Ministry of Health, the work of trained meat graders will contribute significantly to the integrity of markets and the broader development of the livestock sector.
Lokothwayo noted that improved food safety standards and greater transparency in meat grading would help strengthen consumer confidence while supporting national efforts to build a competitive meat industry.
He said the graduates’ work would contribute directly to the country’s goals of producing safe food, protecting consumers and creating sustainable economic opportunities within the livestock value chain.
Collaboration Praised
The Ministry also acknowledged the role played by development partners and implementing agencies in making the training programme possible.
Special recognition was given to the European Union, the International Trade Centre and the Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Programme (ELVCDP) for supporting the initiative.
“The gesture by the EU and ITC in sponsoring the course and inviting us to participate is commendable,” said Lokothwayo.
He described the programme as a strong example of the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in advancing food safety and public health objectives.
“As a ministry, we always look forward to future collaborations and partnerships under the flagship of One Health,” he added.
New Chapter for Meat Grading in Eswatini
As the country moves towards strengthening its livestock value chain and implementing modern meat grading systems, graduates were encouraged to view their certification as the beginning of a larger responsibility.
Lokothwayo reiterated that food safety is everyone’s responsibility and called on the newly qualified professionals to use their expertise to serve the people of Eswatini with excellence.
“Together, through skilled professionals like you, we can build a healthier nation and a stronger economy for Eswatini.”
The ceremony marked another important step towards strengthening quality assurance, consumer protection and confidence within Eswatini’s livestock and meat industry, while positioning trained meat graders at the forefront of safeguarding public health.
