Penja pepper: Training on SPS good practices for internal auditors and competent authorities

In Njombé, Cameroon, from 26 to 28 April, a three-day training session on good sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) practices and control points was organised for the Penja pepper value chain, specifically for internal controllers/auditors and for the inspection and control services of competent authorities. The training was organised by COLEACP in the framework of the Fit For Market SPS programme and the STDF Cameroon project.

The training session aimed to:

• define internal controls and the role of the inspector in the framework of SPS measures
• know the requirements of control/inspection in the framework of sanitary policy in the international context
• know which public services are involved in SPS measures in Cameroon
• understand the interests and advantages of inspection and control for SPS compliance of pepper
• master the use of the Good Practice Guide in terms of requirements
• know the regulatory and normative requirements applicable to pepper
• know the limits of the geographical area of the Penja pepper GI
• know the processes of the different stages of the Penja pepper value chain, the risks, and the dangers linked to each stage
• master the batches, sampling plan and controls/inspections at the different stages of production, harvest, post-harvest and shipping
• master the management of non-conformities
• carry out internal control/inspection within a pepper company.

We would like to thank our trainers and all the participants for their hard work!

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market SPS programme, implemented by COLEACP within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union; and within the framework of the project to strengthen the phytosanitary monitoring and certification system for the fruit and vegetable sector in Cameroon, supported by the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) and implemented by COLEACP.