Editor
By Fatima Saka
The World Health Organization warned the Nigeria government to be prepared for the unexpected incidents that affect food safety.
In order to avert the foodborne disaster, WHO urged the Nigerian Government to ensure safe and nutritious food for all by committing to development and updating the national intervention plans for food emergencies, food control systems and foodborne disease surveillance.
The Country Representative of WHO,Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo issued the warning during the Commemoration of the World Food Safety Day, on Friday in Abuja.
Dr. Mulombo further said that the Nigeria Food producers should adopt good and safe agricultural practices, likewise the Food Vendors and Food Business operators to ensure that food is kept and delivered safe.
According to the WHO country representative, Nigerians should also learn about safe and healthy food and practice it. “Consumers need to be aware of how to report or respond to food safety incidents and understand the consequences of unforeseen events at home, preparing themselves to react appropriately.
He said “WHO remains committed to supporting the government in its Sector wide approach in the provision, promotion and protection of Health. Remember, there is no food security without food safety.
“Food safety is a shared responsibility, and by being prepared for the unexpected, we can help reduce the burden of foodborne diseases globally. It is a responsibility of each one of us to preserve safe food throughout the supply chain, from farm to fork. In every part of this chain, there are hazards that can cause contamination.
“I would like to acknowledge the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare’s visionary leadership towards health system transformation in Nigeria.
“The World Food Safety Day, celebrated on the 7th of June presents an important opportunity to draw attention and inspire actions to help prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food safety, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, access to markets, tourism, and sustainable development.
“World Health Organization regards illnesses due to contaminated food as one of the most widespread health problems in the contemporary world. The hazards that cause Food Borne Diseases may occur in the different stages of the food chain (from primary production to the table).
“This year’s theme “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected” emphasizes the importance of being ready for food safety incidents, which can range from mild to severe and represent situations where there is a potential or confirmed health risk associated with food consumption.
“This aims to draw attention to the unpredictable nature of food safety incidents and the need for preparedness at all levels, from policymakers to consumers. It’s a call to action for everyone involved in the food supply chain to ensure that the food we consume is safe and will not cause harm to our health
“The burden of foodborne diseases to public health and to economies has often been underestimated due to underreporting and difficulty to establish causal relationships between food contamination and resulting illness or death. Each year, globally, 1 in 10 people get ill by eating unsafe food.
“Food safety incidents can range from minor events to major international crises, such as a food poisoning in a local restaurant, a voluntary withdrawal of contaminated products by a manufacturer, an outbreak originating in imported products, a natural disaster.
“The hazards posed by breach in food safety measures do not recognize borders. Globalization has led to a growing interconnection of food supply chains, thus increasing the risks that unhealthy foods pose and can quickly escalate from a local problem to an emergency of international level.”
