Good manufacturing practices compliance: The case of registered small scale maize milling industries in Ubungo and Kinondoni Districts, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Good manufacturing practice requirements were introduced in the food industry following the increase in food borne diseases as well as raise in awareness among consumers on food safety issues. GMP in food industries helps to control potential hazards, if adhered to; maintain the certainty of food products through continuous improvement of quality; as well as have food products comply with Tanzania Bureau of Standards and Codex Arimentarius Commission specifications. Low compliance to GMP in small scale food industries has been documented in developing countries for decades. However, in Tanzania there is paucity of knowledge on GMP compliance in small scale food industries. Objectives: This study intended to determine the proportion of registered small scale maize milling industries and factors that affect compliance to GMP in Ubungo and Kinondoni districts of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: A cross - sectional descriptive study was conducted among registered small scale maize millers who commercially pack maize flour. The study also included food inspectors from TFDA Eastern Zone Office. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to collect data. A total of 155 millers and 3 food inspectors were recruited for the study. GMP for Food Products Observation Checklist adopted from TFDA (Guidelines for GMP of Food Products, 2013) was used to collect GMP compliance data. Closed and open ended questions, and interview guide were administered to the respondents to gather information on factors that affect GMP compliance. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis method. GMP compliance scale was developed from the TFDA Guidelines above and a total score of 65 was used. Results: About 21.9% of registered small scale maize millers were GMP compliant. Millers who were supervised by TFDA in the past 12 months were 5.54 times more likely to comply with GMP requirements while millers who had primary education and below (69%) were less likely to comply with GMP requirements. Also, millers who rented buildings (93%) were less likely to comply with GMP requirements. Majority (90.9%) of the millers perceived that GMP was necessary in milling industries however, they reported that it is difficult to implement (70.8%). GMP supervision was found to be affected by lack of financial and human resources. Conclusion: A few registered small scale maize millers of Ubungo and Kinondoni Districts complied with GMP. Low GMP compliance was highly influenced by low level of education among millers, lack of guidance from TFDA and within past 12 months use of rented buildings. Supervision is highly affected by lack of resources, human and financial. Recommendations: Small scale maize millers of Ubungo and Kinondoni Districts should be sensitized to abide by GMP requirements. Furthermore they should be encouraged to shift to industrial areas so as to comply with GMP requirements. Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority should increase the budget for supervision activities and employ sufficient number of food inspectors.