WILLEMSTAD – MFK Member of Parliament Ishahier Monte wants the Curaçao government to clarify whether restaurants and other food businesses are inspected systematically to prevent food safety problems or whether authorities primarily intervene after consumers file complaints or incidents occur.
The question is part of a broader series of parliamentary questions submitted by Monte to Minister Javier Boekhoudt concerning food safety, hygiene and government supervision of establishments where food and beverages are prepared or sold.
Monte is calling for a review of Curaçao’s food inspection system following reports from residents who say they experienced physical symptoms after eating at local establishments.
While emphasizing that these cases cannot necessarily be directly linked to the food consumed, Monte argues that the reports raise questions about whether existing preventive controls are sufficient.
Risk-Based Inspections
One of the central issues raised by the MP is whether Curaçao currently has a preventive, risk-based inspection system.
Monte wants the minister to explain how periodic inspections of restaurants and other food businesses are planned and carried out and whether the current approach should be intensified or revised.
His questions cover restaurants, snack bars, food trucks, catering companies and other establishments where food or beverages are prepared, served or sold.
Monte is also asking what administrative or legal measures authorities can impose when businesses fail to comply with hygiene and food safety requirements.
He wants figures for the past three years showing how many fines, corrective orders, suspensions or temporary closures have been imposed.
Training and Compliance
The MP is also focusing on prevention through cooperation with the hospitality industry.
He wants to know how the government encourages restaurants and other food businesses to voluntarily comply with hygiene requirements and whether training, guidance or certification programs are available to business owners and employees.
Monte is asking the government to assess whether Curaçao needs to strengthen its overall food safety policy, including its legislation, institutional capacity and preventive measures.
According to the parliamentarian, an effective system is necessary not only to safeguard public health but also to strengthen consumer confidence in Curaçao’s hospitality sector.
His questions also seek information on staffing, technical expertise, equipment and laboratory capacity available to the authorities responsible for food inspections.
Monte has asked Minister Boekhoudt to provide written responses to the questions submitted under Article 96 of Parliament’s Rules of Order.