Experts have said that the food safety practice and standard in Nigeria remain inadequate as there is an increased risk of biological and non-biological contaminants of animal-sourced foods.
Morenike Dipeolu, professor of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, speaking at 2019 Food Safety Symposium organised by the Nigeria agricultural quarantine service (NAQS) in Abuja, said that the National food control systems and enforcement that ensure compliance with food safety and standards are currently inefficient.
He added that there is need to promote national commitment and integrated multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach and efforts to build strong and resilient national food safety systems.
“In Nigeria, there are existing legislative framework to ensure food safety of animal origin but the implementation and enforcement of these policies are still of major challenges. Also, there is need for amendments to obsolete laws to make provisions for global changes or emerging trends in food safety and practice.
She further explained that the nations desire to achieve a high level of food safety and quality of life may be a mirage if the current challenges militating against the establishment, hygiene operations and management of abattoirs are not given attention.
“Nigerian abattoirs are worrisome, the state of the abattoirs in the south-west, the north and some other parts of the country are deplorable”.
“The way Nigerians transport meat is another major concern. The meat is handled in a careless manner and when you get to the markets, you see flies buzzing around the meat. Many reports havecriticized the unacceptable working environment, hygiene and operation standards in our abattoirs and limitations to international trade”.
Dipeolu lamented the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial in food animals and low levels of residues exposure could result in alteration of food bacteria pathogens, and the possible development of resistant strains which cause the failure ofantimicrobial therapy.
“Food animals in Nigeria areraised under harsh environment such as poor management and hygiene conditions, inadequate bio-security and disease controlguidelines which inducesstress and promote the shedding and spread of animal diseases, andreduces animal product quality (increased spoilage) and quantity”.
Reuben Arowolo, professor of pharmacology, college of veterinary medicine, federal university of agriculture, abeokuta in his paper presentation said that Food safety system in most African countries is weak, not well coordinated and cannot protect the health of consumers as well as enhance the competitiveness of food export.
Arowolo stressed that countries should endeavor to put in place national food safety policy which ensure that food supplied to the consumers is adequate, nutritious, wholesome and of good quality.
“Food Safety Control Infrastructure are Inadequate due to limited resources, Unsustainable food safety control system in most African countries as well as incompatibility of Food production and marketing system with international standard”.
Arowolo said that there is need to promote a holistic approach to Food Safety management and embrace coordinated research projects adding that there is need for the government to invest more in food safety programs and to ensure food security.
Cynthia Egboboh, Abuja
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