The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo has emphasised the need for improved food safety practices, describing safe food as a vital component of public health, food security, and economic development.
Speaking in commemoration of the 2026 World Food Safety Day, themed “Food Safety: Science in Action”, the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative noted that food contamination remains a major global concern, affecting millions of people each year and contributing to avoidable illnesses, deaths, and economic losses.
She explained that this year’s theme underscores the role of scientific research, innovation, and evidence-based approaches in preventing food-borne diseases and ensuring food remains safe throughout the production, processing, distribution, and consumption stages.
According to her, maintaining high food safety standards is essential for improving nutrition outcomes, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and reducing the prevalence of food-related health challenges.
“Healthy living is not only about eating nutritious meals but also ensuring that the food consumed is safe at every stage, from farm to table,” she stated, stressing that food safety requires the collective commitment of farmers, food vendors, regulators, and consumers.
Dr Soludo observed that unsafe food can result in significant financial burdens through healthcare expenses, reduced earnings, and lower workforce productivity.
She stated that effective food safety systems can help minimise post-harvest losses, strengthen agricultural output, and increase public trust in locally produced food items.
She further noted that a robust food safety framework would improve Nigeria’s access to regional and international markets, attract investment within the agricultural sector, and create greater opportunities for farmers, food processors, and exporters.
The governor’s wife called on food handlers and vendors to adopt proper hygiene, storage, and preparation practices while urging relevant authorities to intensify monitoring, enforcement, and public education efforts on food safety and nutrition.
She reiterated her commitment to advancing healthy living and nutrition awareness through her initiative and encouraged households to embrace food safety habits that protect lives and promote overall well-being.
World Food Safety Day is marked annually on June 7th to raise awareness about food-borne risks and inspire actions aimed at preventing, detecting, and managing food safety challenges worldwide
