DRAFT FOOD LAW RESUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
PRESS RELEASE: PDF
Paramaribo, 16 March 2026 – The draft Food Law of Suriname was submitted to the National Assembly on 6 March 2026 for parliamentary consideration. The proposed legislation aims to establish a modern legal framework for the safety and quality of food produced, imported, and marketed in Suriname.
The current food legislation dates back to 1911 and no longer fully reflects the realities of modern food production, trade, and consumer protection. The proposed Food Law introduces a comprehensive framework for the entire food chain, including the registration and recognition of food businesses, strengthened oversight and inspection, and the possibility to recall unsafe food products from the market.
The law also strengthens the role of the Nationaal Instituut voor Voedselveiligheid Suriname as the national authority responsible for food safety oversight.
Compared to the earlier version, the draft law places additional emphasis on the need to take into account the geographical and socio cultural diversity of Suriname in the development and implementation of the national food control system. Food production takes place across all districts and includes traditional production methods and indigenous traditional food products. The law therefore recognizes that food safety policies must also consider the decentralized administrative context of Suriname.
Within this framework, NIVS will further elaborate in its strategic plans and policy programmes how guidance and support can be provided to producers of such traditional products while ensuring compliance with food safety requirements and the protection of public health.
The draft law submitted to the National Assembly can be consulted here:
https://www.dna.sr/media/bgel43l0/26-433-initiatiefnemer-j-vreedzaam-initiatiefvoorstel-houdende-levensmiddelenwet-2026.pdf
The Committee of Rapporteurs of the National Assembly begins its deliberations today and may hear relevant stakeholders and experts as part of the legislative review process.
