Editor
By Fatima Saka
In Commemoration of the World Food Safety Day, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality, Implementation Plan to advance food safety in Nigeria .
Also, inaugurated the four Technical Working Groups (TWG) with the mandates of risk-based regulations, risk analysis, and food inspection.
In addition, the group requires pliability with supporting technologies, education and research to work for the good of the citizens and the entire country.
During the launching of the policy and inauguration of the technical group, on Friday in Abuja, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the apprehension of the ministry to Nigerians is the complications of biological, physical, and chemical contamination, adulteration, and misbranding of food that is been distributed across the nation.
Professor Pate reiterated that the new version of the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan also provides a framework for upgrading our national capacity to develop and operate an integrated food safety control system, and to achieve more effective collaboration and coordination between agencies responsible for food safety and quality control systems in line with global best practices and standards.
While briefing the press, the Minister who is represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, mni, FMHSW, said that it is not about the menace of foodborne diseases battle, but the unforeseen events that can compromise the integrity of our food supply.
Professor Pate stressed that from natural disasters that devastated crops to the menacing power of climate change, from the accidental contamination of a trusted food source to deliberate adulteration for profit, the threats are as varied as they are frightening.
According to the minister, in the face of daunting challenges, the ministry’s resolve remains unshaken. “Preparedness is not just a watchword but our steadfast shield against the unpredictable tides of adversity.
“It is with this spirit that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMHSW), in concert with our esteemed stakeholders and partners, has meticulously revised the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan. Today marks a significant milestone as we unveil this pivotal document.
“The Policy, rooted in the One Health approach, addresses a spectrum of critical areas. It encompasses the principles of risk analysis, the issue of emerging contaminants within our food chain, and the establishment of an integrated foodborne disease surveillance and response system. Moreover,
“it sets forth benchmarks for the safe handling, marketing, and sale of food throughout our nation.
“Moving beyond mere food safety, the policy propels us towards a future where the food we consume is not only safe but essentially healthy. It lays out strategic plans to reduce the intake of Salt, Trans Fatty Acids, Sugar, and Alcohol, among others. By ensuring that our diets are healthful, we aim to alleviate the growing burden of non-communicable diseases that afflict our country.
“Thus, the National Policy transcends the confines of paper; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our citizens. It is a clarion call, summoning each one of us to contribute actively to the preservation of the purity of our food.
“Yet, the implementation of this policy is not a solitary journey. It demands the concerted efforts of all parties at both National and Sub-National levels. This includes our diligent farmers who nurture the soil, the regulators who forge the guidelines, the scientists whose innovations enhance safety, and the consumers who make informed choices with every purchase and every bite.
“As part of the implementation of this policy, I have also approved the establishment of four (4) Technical Working Groups (TWGs) that will serve as a conduit for improving the capacity of all stakeholders across the food supply chain:
Risk-Based Regulations and Risk Analysis,Food Inspection,Traceability and Supporting Technologies, Education and Research. Inaugurated today as part of today’s event.”
Pate reiterated that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its agencies, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President are committed to equitable, efficient, and sustainable healthcare financing. “We will explore public-private partnerships, leverage technology, and prioritize essential services for food safety.
“Let us invest wisely, knowing that a healthy population is an asset to our nation’s growth.
“The commitment of the country to food safety was evident during the recent Joint External Evaluation of our Health Security. Food Safety – one of the 19 technical areas evaluated, moved from “NO CAPACITY” in 2019 to “DEVELOPED CAPACITY” in 2024, a remarkable 40% rise.”
The minister further commended the development partners and Stakeholders for their support.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, who was represented by Pharm. (Mrs.) Olubunmi Aribeana, DFDS, FMHSW, emphasized on the theme “Food Safety: Prepare for the unexpected,” that this year’s theme draws attention to food safety management as well as underlines the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents, no matter how mild or severe they can be.
According to the PM, that the proclamation by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to mark World Food Safety Day on 7th of June, every year in response to the World Health Organization (WHO) record that every year, nearly one in ten people in the world, an estimated 600 million people fall ill and 420,000 die after eating food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasite and chemicals substances.
“Food, if its is not safe, is not food. Food is a health product and the major component of basic health care delivery. The slogan for World Food Safety Day is “Food safety is Everyone’s Business” and is a reminder that we all play a role in keeping food safe.”
She further calls for prioritization of food safety throughout the food supply chain, from farm to table because most food borne diseases are preventable. “Our behavior, the way we build food systems and how we organize food supply chains can prevent infectious and toxic hazards, microbial pathogens (bacteria, viruses and parasites), chemical residues, bio toxins and other noxious or dangerous substances from getting into our kitchen utensils.
“Safe food allows for the uptake of nutrients, promotes long-term human development and achievement of SDGs.”
In enlighten the general public on topical issues in the food industry and food-linked situations impacting the Nigeria economy, and the world, DR. Dafang Idi Sule, Director, Federal Produce Inspection Service (FPIS) said that it is a well-known fact that food plays an important role in the health and well-being of humans, this includes animals and the quality and safety characteristics of different types of food consumed by people.
He further emphasized that 2024 commemoration is to draw attention to food safety incidents exacerbated by the noncompliance to quality and safety standards, means that policymakers are working intensively to address these disturbing issues.
According to him, this year’s theme underlines the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents, no matter how mild or severe they can be. Globally, a number of reports have shown that a high percentage of food-related mortality cases occur in rural areas and a few numbers in urban centers. “This is a call to action and governments are required to do the needful to prevent deaths of their citizens.”
