The Panamanian Food Agency (APA) reported that Panama has processed over 4.5 million food-related procedures between 2021 and February 2026. According to the agency, this progress has streamlined import processes, sanitary controls, and user services, while ensuring compliance with food safety standards. APA highlighted that one of the most significant achievements has been reducing response times from 30 days to just 72 hours. This result is attributed to the implementation of technological tools, process automation, and better inter-institutional coordination. "This achievement not only demonstrates the institution's operational capacity but also reaffirms its commitment to a modern, transparent, and user-centric management model, ensuring safe food without compromising trade efficiency," stated APA Director Nicolás Batista. Meanwhile, APA is driving strategic projects to modernize the Integrated Procedures System (SIT) by incorporating technological solutions to accelerate process management, enhance traceability, and optimize inter-institutional coordination in food trade.
