Parliament Passes Food Safety Bill to Strengthen Public Health and Protect Consumers
Parliament on Monday approved the Food Safety Bill, 2026 designed to strengthen public health protection, support the growing agro-processing sector and reinforce Dominica’s national food security agenda.
The legislation establishes a modern, comprehensive regulatory framework governing food produced, processed, imported and sold in Dominica. It introduces systems for food traceability, rapid recall of unsafe products, strengthened inspection and monitoring and clearer accountability for food business operators across the supply chain.
“Every citizen has a fundamental right to safe, wholesome and nutritious food. Unsafe food exposes our people to foodborne illnesses, undermines public confidence and places avoidable burdens on our healthcare system.
“This Bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure that food produced, processed, imported or sold in Dominica meets strict safety and quality standards,” Minister for Health Hon. Cassanni Laville told the Parliament.
A key feature of the new law is the modernization of penalties for food safety violations. Under previous legislation, fines were capped at $10,000 with limited distinction between small vendors and larger commercial entities. The new Act empowers the Court to impose penalties of up to $50,000, allowing for proportionate sanctions based on the severity of the offence and the scale of operations. The strengthened penalties are intended to enhance accountability and deter unsafe practices while protecting consumers.
“These strengthened penalties are not intended to punish honest businesses, but to protect consumers. They ensure that those entrusted with producing and selling food uphold their responsibility to the public. They safeguard families, protect children and preserve confidence in our national food supply. Ultimately, this Bill sends a clear message: in Dominica, food safety is not optional, it is a legal obligation, a public health priority, and a national responsibility,” Laville said.
The legislation also supports Dominica’s expanding agro-processing sector. By aligning food safety standards with regional and international benchmarks, the new law facilitates export opportunities and strengthens trade within the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union.
“It will certify the safety and quality of locally processed foods, facilitate export opportunities for Dominican products, enable access to regional and international markets and strengthen consumer confidence in locally produced goods,” Minister Laville explained.
The Bill also aligns with national efforts to combat non-communicable diseases by strengthening food labelling requirements and supporting the safe production and distribution of healthier, locally produced food options.
