The federal government in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other partners have inaugurated four inter-sectoral Technical Working Groups (TWGs) on food and feed safety yesterday in Abuja.
The launch was part of activities making the 2024 World Food Safety Day.
The TWGs will provide expertise to drive effective communication, capacity building and strategic partnerships among stakeholders to strengthen and harmonize Nigeria’s regulatory environment and risk-based food safety systems.
The goal is to scale up industry engagement in the national regulatory processes and compliance with international food safety standards.
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Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, said that the federal government, with partners, has meticulously revised the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan.
“As we gather to mark the 2024 World Food Safety Day, we are reminded of the delicate balance that sustains this vital aspect of our lives. This year’s theme, ‘Food safety: prepare for the unexpected,’ is a clarion call to action, a reminder that vigilance is the guardian of our sustenance and unforeseen events that can compromise the integrity of our food supply.
“In the face of daunting challenges, our resolve remains unshaken. Preparedness is not just a watchword but our shield against the unpredictable tides of adversity,” he said.
In her remarks, Programme Manager, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS), Kelly Scavella, said the “USDA-FAS is partnering with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other Nigerian stakeholders to help build food safety systems that are relevant to consumers, producers and regulators.
The event brought together many key stakeholders in the food and feed industries as well as donor agencies.
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