The Oyo State Government has prohibited the use of Styrofoam for food packaging.
The Commissioner for Health in the state, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, announced this during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum that took place at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Ibadan on Monday.
He emphasized that food poisoning, the improper use of chemicals in food production, processing, and packaging, as well as other unethical practices by food businesses, are significant public health issues in the state.
“The directorate of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services is responsible for overseeing food businesses to guarantee the availability of safe food for the public in the state, intending to increase monitoring and inspections of food establishments.
“As a result, Styrofoam is prohibited for food services, storage, and similar uses in Oyo State.
“The government has set up a task force on food safety, which includes members from various organizations such as the State Food Safety Management Committee, Nigeria Police Force, Association of Table Water Producers, and Association of Canteen Workers.
Afusat Akande, the Director of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services at the State Ministry of Health, outlined the essential criteria that individuals in the food industry must adhere to in order to obtain certification.
Ajetunmobi stated that the conditions include needing regular medical fitness certificates from specific state government hospitals, proof of routine fumigation of production facilities by an approved consultant from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and water quality testing by a consultant recognized by the Ministry of Health, in addition to other requirements.
“The Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Taskforce, led by Permanent Secretary Akintunde Ayinde, pledged to collaborate with the ministry to meet its goal of ensuring food safety in the State.
“Due to this development, the use of Styrofoam for food-related purposes has been banned in Oyo State.
Moreover, a food safety task force has been established by the State Government, consisting of representatives from different organizations like the State Food Safety Management Committee, Nigeria Police Force, Association of Table Water Producers, and Association of Canteen Workers.
Akande, highlighted the essential requirements that individuals working in the food industry must fulfil to obtain certification.
