The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has urged all stakeholders in the food supply chain to implement effective food safety measures.
This call to action was made during the commemoration of the 2024 World Food Safety Day, themed “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected,” according to a statement from the agency on Tuesday.
Prof. Adeyeye cited World Health Organization (WHO) data, stating that globally, one in ten people fall ill, and 420,000 people die each year from consuming contaminated food.
She added that this results in the loss of 33 million years of healthy life, with children under five and other vulnerable groups disproportionately affected, especially in poorer areas.
- Anambra CP orders manhunt for gunmen who abducted man in Nnewi
- NSCDC vows to arrest bandits who attacked its headquarters in Nasarawa
In developing countries, about $110 billion is lost annually on medical expenses due to unsafe food, Prof. Adeyeye noted.
She stressed that food safety is crucial not only for public health but also for economic development and food security.
“Everyone has a role to play from the farm to the table to ensure that the food we consume is safe and will not cause damage to our health,” she stated.
Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the WHO’s recommendations for World Food Safety Day 2024, which include developing or updating national food safety emergency response plans, strengthening national food control systems, increasing surveillance and coordination capacities, and improving communication with food businesses and the public.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
