Lagos Commissioner of Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, has issued out warning to food traders in the state to stop using harmful preservatives on food.
Speaking at a one-day market sensitisation programme in commemoration of World Food Safety Day 2024, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety at Ayobo Market Garage in Agege, Lagos, Abayomi emphasized the dangers of such practices.
The event, which was organized with the theme, “Food Safety: Prepared for the Unexpected,” had Abayomi’s remarks delivered by the Director of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Dr. Ajayi Theophilus Folarin.
According to Abayomi, “The use of dangerous chemicals like sniper to preserve food can lead to food poisoning, cerebral damage, destruction of vital organs in the body, and a food crisis.”
Emphasizing the significance of the event, Professor Abayomi noted: “We are doing a lot of advocacies in Lagos state, a lot of sensitisation on food safety and that is why the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu asked us to educate the market men and women on food safety.”
The food they sell can be eaten by anyone, so they must sell in a clean environment, ensure they maintain personal hygiene, and have taken food handlers test.” he advised.
Continuing, Abayomi said, “Part of the awareness campaign is to raise consumer safety awareness in order to prevent food-borne diseases such as Lassa fever. Any disease that is associated with food consumption.”
“My advice to traders and consumers is to report sharp practices to government agencies such as the Ministry of Health or the Environment,” the commissioner added.
