Professor Ajayi Urges Government to Prioritize Food Safety in Nigeria
In a recent lecture at Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Professor Olasunmbo Ajayi, a Food Science and Technology expert, urged the Nigerian government to prioritize food safety to protect public health. She emphasized the risk of foodborne illnesses due to microorganisms in food and beverages, such as spoilage viruses, pathogens, and toxins. Her lecture, titled Food Safety Should Be a Public Health Concern: The Yearning of a Food Microbiologist, discussed the need for proactive measures in food production, processing, and handling.
Unsafe Street Foods Pose Health Risks
Professor Ajayi highlighted unsafe street foods, such as roasted corn, plantain, and boiled eggs, which are often contaminated and pose a health risk. She called for better food safety education for caregivers, food vendors, and the public, along with a robust food control system to reduce foodborne diseases, especially among children. She also criticized the government’s failure to monitor food quality in the marketplace and emphasized the importance of food safety policies to prevent outbreaks of food- and waterborne diseases.
Need for Stronger Food Safety Policies
Professor Ajayi also emphasized the need for food safety policies to be properly enforced, stating that such measures would help reduce the high mortality rate caused by foodborne pathogens, particularly among children. She urged parents and caregivers to acquire basic knowledge of safe food preparation, including proper hand washing before preparing meals for children.
Supporting Statements from Bowen University Officials
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Professor Tunde Lawal, supported the lecture’s message, stressing that consumers and vendors must be vigilant about microorganisms in food and ensure proper hygiene in food preparation. He reiterated that the responsibility for food safety lies with both food vendors and consumers.
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