Who is Dr. Blaise Ouattara, Food Safety Expert?
I am Dr. Blaise Ouattara, a food safety expert in Africa with more than 20 years of experience. I help countries, institutions, and businesses strengthen their food safety systems so people can eat safer food and markets can grow.
My work combines science, policy, and training. I support governments, regulators, laboratories, and food businesses as they improve how food is controlled, tested, and monitored from farm to table.
If you are looking for a trusted food safety expert in Africa with global experience, you are in the right place.
Food Safety Expertise and Focus Areas
Over the years, I have built deep experience in key areas that shape food safety at national and regional levels.
National Food Control Systems
I help countries design, review, and improve their national food control systems. This includes:
- Assessing current laws and structures
- Identifying gaps in coordination between agencies
- Supporting the design of clear roles and processes
- Helping align systems with international good practices
A strong food control system protects public health and supports trade. It also builds trust among consumers and trading partners.
Food Safety Risk Assessment and Risk Ranking
Good decisions in food safety must be based on evidence. I support:
- Risk assessment and risk ranking exercises
- Collection and use of data for decision-making
- Simple tools that help authorities focus on the most important hazards
I have facilitated risk assessment and risk ranking workshops in different African countries, helping teams move from theory to action.
Regulatory Policy and International Food Standards
I work with partners to:
- Interpret and apply international food standards in local contexts
- Support the use of Codex Alimentarius standards
- Develop or update national regulations and guidelines
- Build bridges between science, policy, and implementation
This helps countries trade more safely, meet import requirements, and protect consumers.
Capacity Building with a Food Safety Expert
Capacity building is at the heart of my work as a food safety expert in Africa. I design and deliver:
- Practical training programs for inspectors, regulators, and lab staff
- Workshops for policymakers and managers
- Tailored sessions for food businesses and industry associations
My training style is interactive, visual, and solution-focused. I work in multiple languages and adapt materials to local needs and contexts.
International Experience as a Food Safety Expert
My experience spans Africa, North America, and global networks.
I have:
- Worked with national and regional institutions on food safety strategies
- Facilitated regional workshops on risk assessment and risk ranking
- Supported the design of tools that make complex concepts easier to use
- Contributed to initiatives that link public health, trade, and agriculture
This mix of African and international experience helps me connect global standards with local realities. I understand the challenges that many countries face, such as limited resources, complex value chains, and the need to coordinate many actors.
Science-Driven Entrepreneurship and Projects
Beyond advisory work, I am co-founder of science-focused enterprises in:
- Animal nutrition
- Biotechnology
- Agri-food consulting
In these roles, I have:
- Led the development of new products and services
- Navigated regulatory processes, including approvals with authorities such as Health Canada
- Collaborated with experts from different disciplines
These experiences keep me close to both policy and practice. They also give me a practical understanding of the private sector side of food safety.
Food Safety Training and Capacity Building in Africa
As a food safety expert in Africa, I care deeply about sharing knowledge in ways that are clear, accessible, and actionable.
My training and capacity building activities include:
- National and regional workshops on national food control systems
- Hands-on training in risk assessment and risk ranking
- Sessions on applying Codex and other international standards
- Support to universities and training institutions that teach food safety
I design training materials that use:
- Simple language
- Visual tools and diagrams
- Real examples from the field
- Group work and discussion
The goal is not only to inform, but to build confidence and long-term skills.
If you would like support with a training program, you can learn more about my services on the Food Safety Services page.
Digital Skills and Web Projects
Outside my core work as a food safety expert in Africa, I have developed skills in website design and online communication.
What started as a curiosity grew into a practical tool that I now use to share knowledge and support projects. I have built and managed several websites, including:
- LiveGood Products: a wellness-focused platform that supports network marketing activities
- Partner.co Products: a curated site for health and nutrition products
- Exelia Group: a West African multiservice company in finance, logistics, and travel.
- Blaise Ouattara: my personal website and resource hub
These digital projects help me:
- Communicate science in clear and simple ways
- Reach a wider audience across Africa and beyond
- Support partners who want to share food safety and health information online
My Mission and Values of a Food Safety Expert
My mission is simple:
To help build safer, fairer, and more resilient food systems in Africa and worldwide.
I am guided by a few core values:
- Scientific rigor: I rely on sound evidence and clear methods.
- Practical impact: I focus on solutions that can be applied in real settings.
- Inclusiveness: I care about making food safety systems work for everyone, including small producers and vulnerable groups.
- Collaboration: I believe lasting change comes from strong partnerships.
- Clarity: I work hard to turn complex ideas into tools people can actually use.
Whether I am leading a workshop, reviewing a policy, or refining a visual tool at midnight, I stay driven by purpose and service.
How to Work With Me
You can work with me in several ways. I support:
Government agencies and regulators
- Design and review of national food control systems
- Risk assessment and risk ranking exercises
- Development or update of food safety regulations and guidelines
Regional and international organizations
- Technical support on food safety projects in Africa
- Design and delivery of regional training programs
- Development of tools and guidance documents
Universities and research institutions
- Curriculum support and guest teaching on food safety topics
- Joint research and capacity building activities
Private sector and food businesses
- Guidance on regulatory compliance and standards
- Support on risk-based approaches to food safety
- Training tailored to specific value chains
If you are looking for a food safety expert in Africa to help design, strengthen, or explain food safety systems, I would be glad to connect.
Contact me here to discuss your project or collaboration idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
A food safety expert in Africa helps countries, institutions, and businesses prevent foodborne risks and improve how food is controlled. This includes supporting national food control systems, risk assessment, regulatory policy, training, and the use of international standards. The goal is to protect public health and support safe trade.
I work mainly with partners in Africa, especially West Africa, while also drawing on experience from North America and global networks. Depending on the project, I can support work in other regions as well, either remotely or in person.
I support a wide range of partners, including:
- Government agencies and regulators
- Regional and international organizations
- Universities and research institutions
- Laboratories
- Food industry actors and private companies
Each project is tailored to the needs, capacity, and context of the partner.