Nigerian Government,Grassroot Commodities Producer Partners to Curb Food Poisoning

Amid rising concerns over food poisoning, the federal government has announced a strategic collaboration with grassroots commodities producer to enhance post-harvest handling processes, including storage, processing, and packaging.

The initiative aims to address longstanding challenges of unprofessional practices and mismanagement within Nigeria’s food value chains.

The Registrar/CEO, Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCFoST), Veronica Ezeh, expressed deep concern regarding the detrimental effects of substandard food production on industrialization efforts, export potential, and the prevalence of preventable foodborne illnesses.

Speaking at a sensitization forum involving State Ministries of Local Government, Local Government Commissions, and State Ministries of Health, Ezeh underscored the urgent need for improved food safety measures across all levels of production and distribution.

NiCFoST, as the pioneering council in sub-Saharan Africa tasked with regulating food science and technology, is committed to effectively managing various segments of Nigeria’s food value chain and supply systems.

Ezeh emphasized the importance of soliciting feedback from stakeholders to inform comprehensive food safety strategies, advocating for transparency, particularly at the grassroots level.

“We are determined to fulfill our vision of efficiently managing Nigeria’s food value chains and supply systems in accordance with current scientific practices for enhanced food security,” Ezeh stated.

She highlighted NiCFoST’s mission to promote the highest standards in the training and practice of the food science and technology profession in Nigeria.

The sensitization efforts aim to ensure that food regulation at the local government level aligns with international best practices, thereby ensuring the safety and competitiveness of Nigerian food products in both domestic and export markets.

NiCFoST intends to collaborate closely with the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, both at the federal and state levels, to improve food safety practices from farm to table.

Recognizing the pivotal role of primary producers in the food value chain, Ezeh appealed to farmers for their support in upholding the highest food standards in Nigeria.

She reiterated NiCFoST’s commitment to fostering collaboration and adherence to global best practices to safeguard public health and enhance the quality of Nigeria’s food supply.

The collaborative efforts between the federal government, NiCFoST, and other stakeholders signal a concerted commitment to addressing longstanding challenges in the Nigerian food industry, with a focus on ensuring the safety and integrity of the nation’s food supply chain.

Agro Nigeria / Foluke Ibitomi