This is the first FAIRS Report for Burma. The regulatory framework for food regulations and standards is established under the National Food Law of 1997. The law calls out for the creation of the Myanmar Food and Drug Board Authority (MFDBA) and provides MFDBA with the statutory authority for
regulating the wholesomeness and quality of the production, sale, advertisement, and trading of food. In addition, it is the responsible body for drafting regulations and standards to meet the aforementioned activities. However, the MFDBA has yet to prescribe any regulations or standards; as such it relies on Codex. Nonetheless, as Burma opens up it is expected that its regulatory regime will change accordingly.
Section I. Food Laws
The National Food Law of 1997 (Appendix II) establishes the framework for regulating the production, sale, and trade of food and food products in order for these to meet the required wholesomeness and quality standards. It also calls for the establishment of the Myanmar Food and Drug Board Authority (MFDBA), which is headed by the Minister of Health and includes other public sector officials and experts in the fields of food science, toxicology, microbiology, and food technology.
MFDBA’s sets out directives and regulations for the production, storage, distribution, inspection, labeling, advertising, and sale of food. It also is responsible to classify foods as “controlled foods”, and for approving food additives. However, it’s yet to issue any specific directives and /or regulations, and defers to Codex for most of its standards.
In 1995 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was formed under the Department of Health. Food and drug administration division is responsible for registration and licensing of drugs and food, quality control of registered drugs, processed food, imported food and food for export. FDA has two divisions (Food Division and Drug Division). Each division has an Enforcement and Laboratory section. FDA implements the control work, laid down by MFDBA.
Burma is an active participant in the ASEAN Codex Committee. Food control activities in Burma are conducted in line with the National Food Law and Public Health Law and also comply with Codex guidelines and standards.
Food Administration Division controls locally produced food. Food imported and food to be exported should be in accordance with National Food Law and in line with international recognized procedures.
