In continued efforts to
revamp the nation’s healthcare system and improve overall welfare and quality
of life for all Nigerians through advanced food safety, the Federal Ministry of
Health and Social Welfare has launched the updated National Policy on Food
Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan 2023.
The launch which was part
of activities to commemorate the 2024 World Food Safety Day is an added
strategic measure to modernize and strengthen the national food safety control
and management system in line with global best practices and standards.
Speaking at a Ministerial
press briefing held on Friday 7 June 2024, in Abuja, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social
Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate, said that in line with the theme of the 2024 World
Food Safety Day, “Food Safety: prepare for the unexpected” the Ministry was focused
on preparedness which was evident in the One Health approach utilized in the updated
the policy.
Pate who was represented
by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, mni, explained that the document
adequately covers a spectrum of critical areas such as the principles of risk
analysis, emerging contaminants within the food chain and the establishment of
an integrated foodborne disease surveillance and response system.
He however, stated that
implementation of the policy was not to be left to the ministry alone, and
called on all parties at National and Sub-National levels, from regulators to
farmers and consumers to always make informed choices setting an all-new
benchmark for the safe handling, marketing, and sale of food throughout the Nation.
He also announced the inauguration of four (4) Technical Working Groups (TWGs)
that will serve as a conduit for improving the capacity of stakeholders across
the food supply chain.
Highlighting some achievements of ongoing efforts, he mentioned that at the recent health security joint evaluation, food security which was one of the 19 technical areas evaluated, moved from “NO CAPACITY” in 2019 to “DEVELOPED CAPACITY” in 2024, a remarkable 40% rise. Saying this was testament to the fact that the country had evolved beyond curative medicine to preventive measures, health education, and community engagement, of which Food Safety remained an important component.
While appreciating the
contributions of all partners especially the National Food Safety Management
Committee, the Minister assured that the Ministry and its agencies in line with
the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. president, will continue to explore
public-private partnerships, leverage technology, and prioritise essential
services for food safety.
Earlier, the Director
Food and Drug Services, Pharm. (Mrs.) Olubunmi Aribeana, in her welcome
address, maintained that food safety was a critical component of public health
affecting millions globally.
Further stating that the
World Food Safety Day served as a global call to action urging decision-makers,
private sectors and stakeholders to prioritize food safety by working together
to create a safer food environment. She therefore called on everyone to join
forces with the ministry as it sought to build a future where safe food is not
a luxury but a fundamental right.
World Food Safety Day was
established in December 2018 by the United Nations General Assembly, following
a joint proposal by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World
Health Organisation (WHO). Celebrated on June 7 annually, the day aims to
highlight the importance of food safety and promote actions that assists
prevention and management of foodborne risks.
