DDA Enhances Regulatory Oversight through Market Surveillance in Uganda’s Central Region

Dairy Development Authority Enhances Regulatory Oversight through Market Surveillance in Uganda’s Central Region

Dairy Development Authority (DDA) conducted Proactive market surveillance activities along Masaka highway, Masaka Town, Kayunga and Mpigi districts in Quarter 1: FY 2023/4, focusing on ensuring the safety and quality of marketed milk and milk products. The activities included market sampling, on-site surveys and testing to evaluate compliance with dairy standards and regulations. The conformity assessment criteria for dairy products focused on verification of handling, storage, package integrity, labeling, shelf-life practices and compiling data for regulatory oversight. 

During the activity, a total of 40 supermarkets were surveyed, with 14 located in Mpigi, 6 in Kayunga, and 20 along Masaka Road. Additionally, 75 raw milk sales outlets were surveyed, comprising 20 in Mpigi, 30 in Masaka City, 10 in Kayunga and 15 along Masaka Road. Among these, 37 outlets were officially registered, including 15 in Mpigi, 6 in Masaka City, 8 in Kayunga, and 8 along Masaka Road. The survey also reached 159 products in different outlets (Supermarkets and Groceries), with 64 surveyed in Mpigi, 29 in Kayunga and 66 along Masaka Road. Furthermore, 80 raw milk samples were tested, consisting of 15 from Mpigi, 40 from Masaka City, 10 from Kayunga and 15 along Masaka Road. Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) was also collected from all areas. Finally, five processors with new products on the market were identified, with two discovered in Mpigi and three along Masaka Road. The processors were sensitized and have since registered with DDA. 

DDA found that compliance with labeling, packaging, and shelf-life standards was generally high. Specific products were promptly addressed for minor labeling issues to maintain market integrity. Overall, the surveillance activities were successful in strengthening consumer protection and enhancing DDA’s regulatory control in the market place.