A food safety initiative known as the 'Healthy Food Market' project is being implemented in Cameroon. The project, which began in June 2023, is initially operating in the Ndogpassi and New Deido markets in the city of Douala.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Cameroonian government and international partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Its primary goal is to improve hygiene and food safety standards to protect public health and reduce foodborne illnesses.
The project focuses on training vendors on proper food handling, improving market infrastructure for sanitation, and raising awareness among consumers. These efforts are based on scientific evidence and aim to transform traditional market practices.
If successful in the pilot phase, the program may be expanded to other markets across the country. The initiative represents a significant step in addressing food safety challenges within Cameroon's informal food sector.