The Lagos State Government has advised food handlers in the state to prioritise public health above their drive for profit to prevent an outbreak of foodborne diseases.
This was contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr Lola Akande on Wednesday, during the second Lagos State Food Safety conference, in Alausa, Ikeja.
Akande who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Adetutu Ososanya, attributed unsafe food practices among most food processors and consumers to ignorance and lack of relevant information that could guide their actions and reactions.
She said, “We call on food handlers and processors to prioritise the health of the consuming public above the drive to make profits.
The theme of the event, ‘Safe food, better health,’ is apt considering the need to be proactive and the importance of taking decisive steps to forestall the outbreak of any likely food-borne related diseases.
“There is also the need to educate and orientate members of the public on issues bordering on consumer rights and food safety because only healthy citizens can continue to contribute to the economic prosperity of Lagos State.”
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, Mr Afolabi Solebo, stated that “The fact that one in 10 people globally is affected by foodborne diseases annually makes it indispensable to transform food systems to deliver better health in a sustainable manner in order to prevent most foodborne diseases.
“To this end, food businesses must comply with international food standards and engage employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to grow and develop a food safety culture and this explains one of the objectives of this annual food safety conference.”