The Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA), has distributed 350 rapid test kits valued at Frw 70 million to selected slaughterhouse operators to strengthen the detection of antibiotic residues in meat and enhance food safety.

The kits were distributed under the VIBE Programme, with support from the Mastercard Foundation and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The support is part of broader efforts to strengthen standards and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) compliance across Rwanda’s meat value chain.

The rapid test kits enable slaughterhouse operators to conduct real-time testing for residues from four groups of antibiotics in meat. They will help operators identify potential food safety risks before meat reaches consumers, strengthen compliance with food safety requirements and contribute to safer and higher-quality animal products.

Speaking at the event, RICA Acting Director General Jean Pierre Bajeneza thanked TradeMark Africa for its support in strengthening food safety and urged slaughterhouse operators to make effective use of the kits, strengthen their internal testing practices and comply with applicable food safety requirements.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring that meat placed on the market is safe and meets the required standards, noting that food safety requires the commitment of all actors along the value chain.

Speaking on behalf of TradeMark Africa, Ms. Musenga Doreca highlighted the importance of strengthening food safety systems across Rwanda’s meat value chain. She noted that the rapid test kits would support the early detection of antibiotic residues and strengthen compliance with food safety standards.

She reaffirmed TMA’s commitment to working with RICA and other stakeholders to strengthen standards and sanitary and phytosanitary compliance and support businesses to meet regulatory and market requirements.

Ms. Mukaniyonzima Dative, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), commended RICA and its partners for equipping slaughterhouse operators with tools that enable timely detection of antibiotic residues. She urged beneficiaries to use the kits responsibly and integrate testing into their operations to ensure that meat placed on the market meets safety requirements and contributes to protecting consumers.

The distribution comes in the context of Rwanda’s strengthened regulatory framework governing animal production and fisheries, which places emphasis on ensuring that animal products intended for sale are safe and free from prohibited drug residues.

During the event, slaughterhouse operators were briefed on the proper use of the kits and their responsibilities in maintaining food safety. They committed to using the equipment appropriately and strengthening their internal compliance practices. They were also informed of additional equipment and requirements they would need to procure to support effective testing.

The distribution of the meat-testing kits marks the second phase of the rapid test kit support programme. In the first phase, 500 rapid test kits were distributed to operators in the dairy value chain to support real-time testing for antibiotic residues and aflatoxin in milk.

The two phases demonstrate a broader commitment to strengthening food safety controls across Rwanda’s animal-product value chains. By equipping value-chain operators with appropriate testing tools, the programme enables timely identification of potential risks, strengthens regulatory compliance and promotes safer food production practices.

The collaboration between RICA, TradeMark Africa, the Mastercard Foundation and the International Trade Centre demonstrates the importance of partnerships in strengthening Rwanda’s food safety systems while supporting businesses to meet regulatory and market requirements.

Through such interventions, RICA and its partners are contributing to stronger food safety practices, increased consumer protection and greater confidence in Rwanda’s meat and dairy products.