Esther Salifu
In commemoration of the World Safety Day, the World Health Organization has urged the government to commit to the development or update of National intervention plans for food emergencies, food control systems and foodborne disease surveillance in order to ensure safe and nutritious food for everyone.
The WHO County Director, Dr Walter Kazadi disclosed this in his message during the World Safety Day celebration held on Friday, 7th June 2024, in Abuja .
Kazadi who was represented by Dr. Pindar Klakawa urged food producers to adopt good and safe agricultural practices, Food Vendors and Food business operators to ensure that food is kept and delivered safe and consumers to learn about safe and healthy food and practice it.
He further reiterated the organisation commitment in supporting the government in provision, promotion and protection of health.
The Director said: “WHO remains committed in supporting the government in its Sector wide approach in the provision, promotion and protection of health”.
The Minister of Health, Mohammed Ali Pate , said food threat varies and not just the menace of foodborne diseases that we battle but the unforeseen events that can compromise the integrity of our food supply.
According to the Minister, 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 are the major food threat.
Pate who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, unveiled revised National Policy on Food Safety and Quality.
He said the policy, and the four Technical Working Group, TWGs, which includes: Risk-based regulations, risk analysis in Food and feed safety, Food and SPS (Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary) inspection, Traceability and supporting Technologies and Education for all stakeholders and Research will serve as a conduit for improving the capacity of all stakeholders across the food supply chain.
The Minister said: “It set forth benchmarks for the safe handling, marketing and sake of food throughout it nation.
“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”.
“ The TWGs will serve as a conduit for improving the capacity of all stakeholders across the food supply chain”.
The Permanent Secretary, further said the theme is a call for prioritization of food safety throughout the food supply chain , from farm to table because most food borne diseases are preventable
She said: “Food system policy-makers practitioners and investors should reorient their activities to increase the sustainable production and consumption of safe food in order to improve health outcomes “.
Technical Working Group, TWGs was approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in January.
