Bahamas

Regulations & Legislations

The Food Safety Act, 1985

An Act to regulate the manufacture of food, to provide for quality control, testing and certification, for food processing and preservation and for matters incidental thereto and connected therewith.

https://cahfsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Bahamas-Food-Act-1985.pdf

The Food Safety & Quality Act, 2016

This Act establishes risk-based food safety and quality control throughout the food chain, mandates food labelling and traceability, and creates a Director of Food Safety supported by scientific and advisory committees. It enables enforcement powers, inspector roles, and the formulation of national standards via the Bureau of Standards.

https://bahfsabahamas.com/downloads/documents/legislation/FSQAct.pdf

Bahamas Agricultural Health & Food Safety Authority Act, 2016

This legislation establishes BAHFSA as the statutory body overseeing food safety, animal health, and plant protection, aligning its functions with WTO SPS principles. It grants BAHFSA enforcement and coordination authority over key Acts including Food Safety, Animal Health, and Plant Protection.

https://bahfsabahamas.com/downloads/documents/legislation/BAHFSALegislation.pdf

Food (Seafood Processing & Inspection) Regulation, 2002

These regulations may be cited as the Food (Seafood Processing and Inspection) Regulations.

https://cahfsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Bahamas-Food-Seafood-Processing-Inspection-Regulations-2002.pdf

State Agencies

Bahamas Agricultural Health & Food Security Authority (BAHFSA)

BAHFSA coordinates food safety, animal, and plant health across the supply chain, implementing multiple Acts (2016) and hosting units such as Food Safety & Quality, Veterinary Services, Plant Protection, Diagnostics, Pesticides, and Trade Facilitation. It operates a One Health approach with risk assessments, training, SPS certifications, and stakeholder coordination.

https://bahfsabahamas.com/

Ministry of Health & Wellness

The Ministry of Health & Wellness seeks to provide the leadership necessary to ensure and guard the protection and promotion of the health of all residents. It provides all residents with all access to comprehensive, preventive and quality healthcare services and care.

https://www.mohw.gov.bs/