Safer Food Campaign Launched to Tackle Foodborne Illnesses in Lagos

Safer Food Campaign Launched to Tackle Foodborne Illnesses in Lagos

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization OSOA Foods, has launched a renewed public awareness campaign on food safety for market vendors in Lagos.

The campaign, held at Bakare Bello Market in Ifako-Gbagada, focused on educating traders on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) five keys to safer food:

1. Keep clean

2. Separate raw and cooked food

3. Cook food thoroughly

4. Keep food at safe temperatures

5. Use safe water and raw materials

Urgent Need for Compliance Across the Food Chain

Speaking at the event, Mr. Aina Olugbenga, a representative of NAFDAC, emphasized that strict compliance with food safety standards is essential to reducing the rising incidence of foodborne diseases in Nigeria.

Mr. Solomon Oyeniran, CEO of OSOA Foods, highlighted the global impact of unsafe food practices, noting that low- and middle-income countries lose over $110 billion annually due to food safety issues. He added that 600 million people fall ill from unsafe food each year, underscoring the urgent need for change.

Stakeholders Raise Red Flags on Unsafe Practices

Officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Health, LASEPA, LAWMA, and the Lagos State Safety Commission also addressed the gathering. They pointed to poor food storage, exposure to unregulated food additives, and unsafe waste handling as serious public health risks in local markets.

Market Leaders Welcome Initiative

The Acting Iyaloja of Bakare Bello Market, Lady Evangelist Julianah Osalusi, praised the campaign and pledged the full cooperation of the market’s traders.

“We appreciate this initiative and will work closely with authorities to ensure safer food practices in our market,” she said.