The United States Department for Agriculture (USDA) has partnered with the federal government to develop a policy document to enhance food safety in the country.
The coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali, Pate during the ceremony to mark the 2024 World Food Safety Day in Abuja stated that the newly launched policy document is rooted in the health approach.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, said the policy addresses the principles of risk analysis, the issue of emerging contaminants within our food chain, and the establishment of an integrated foodborne disease surveillance and response system.
He noted that the 2024 World Food Safety Day, themed “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.
The minister pointed out that the government has set benchmarks for the safe handling, marketing, and sale of food throughout our nation adding that 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.
Kachollom, emphasized that by ensuring that our diets are healthful, we aim to alleviate the growing burden of non-communicable diseases that afflict our country.
“However, the implementation of this policy is not a solitary journey. It demands the concerted efforts of all parties at both National and Sub-National levels.”
He underscored that the TWGs will provide expertise and leadership to drive effective communication, capacity building and strategic partnerships among stakeholders, as part of continued efforts to strengthen and harmonize Nigeria’s regulatory environment and risk-based food safety systems, while improving industry engagement in the national regulatory processes and compliance with international food safety standards.
The Programme Manager, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) Kelly Scavella in her remarks said, “USDA-FAS is partnering with the federal miinistry of Health and Social Welfare and other Nigerian stakeholders to help build food safety systems that are relevant to consumers, producers and regulators.
She stated tha the TWGs have been set up to modernize Nigeria’s food safety regulatory framework in line with international best practices to address food safety concerns and facilitate the development of a strong agriculture and food industry.”
She noted that Harnessing the expertise of the TWGs aligns with the core mission of World Food Safety Day, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in safeguarding food and feed safety.
