The Federal Government has announced the revision of the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality, as well as the formation of four technical food safety working groups.
This was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate at the event, marking the 2024 World Food Safety Day on Friday, according to The Punch.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture and other partners inaugurated the four inter-sectoral technical working groups.
Pate noted that the groups will work to reinforce and harmonize Nigeria’s regulatory environment and risk-based food safety systems, as well as improve industry participation in national regulatory procedures and adherence to international food safety standards.
Pate, represented at the ceremony by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, stated that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare approved the formation of the four TWGs in January 2024.
He said, “The TWGs are focused on risk-based regulations, risk analysis in food and feed safety; food and sanitary and phytosanitary inspection; traceability and supporting technologies; education for all stakeholders and research.
“As we gather to mark the 2024 World Food Safety Day, we are reminded of the delicate balance that sustains this vital aspect of our lives.
“This year’s theme ‘Food safety: prepare for the unexpected’ is a clarion call to action, a reminder that vigilance is the guardian of our sustenance and unforeseen events that can compromise the integrity of our food supply. In the face of daunting challenges, our resolve remains unshaken. Preparedness is not just a watchword but our shield against the unpredictable tides of adversity.”
He stated that it was in this spirit that the FMHSW, in collaboration with stakeholders and partners, thoroughly reviewed the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its implementation plan.
Pate noted that the strategy, based on the One Health approach, addresses a wide range of key issues.
Meanwhile, the Programme Manager of USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Kelly Scavella noted that the USDA-FAS is working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, as well as other Nigerian stakeholders, to develop food safety systems that are relevant to consumers, producers, and regulators.
“The TWGs have been set up to modernise Nigeria’s food safety regulatory framework in line with international best practices to address food safety concerns and facilitate the development of a strong agriculture and food industry.
“Over the last decade, the Nigerian government has implemented important changes to bolster food safety by examining and enhancing critical components of the national food safety control system.
“Harnessing the expertise of the TWGs aligns with the core mission of World Food Safety Day, emphasising the importance of collaboration and innovation in safeguarding food and feed safety. As we commemorate this global initiative, the launch of these TWGs underscores Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable access to food in Nigeria,” Scavella said.
In preparation for the passage of the Food Safety and Quality bill into law, FMHSW, in partnership with the USDA, the Food and Agriculture Export Alliance, the University of Missouri’s Africa Food Safety Initiative, and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, convened stakeholders for a prioritisation workshop in December 2022.
Stakeholders at the workshop suggested that technical working groups be formed with professionals from the public, corporate, and academic sectors to help design science-based legislation.
