Prof. Moji Adeyeye, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has advised Nigerians not to keep cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days. She cautioned that prolonged storage can lead to contamination by harmful pathogens, which can cause severe foodborne illnesses and even death.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, Adeyeye emphasized the importance of food safety, particularly in light of the 2024 World Food Safety Day, themed “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.” She urged all stakeholders in the food supply chain to adopt strict food safety practices to prevent hazards and ensure public health.
World Food Safety Day, observed annually on June 7, was established by the United Nations in 2018 to highlight the importance of safe food practices globally. The aim is to raise awareness and encourage efforts to prevent, detect, and address food safety risks.
Adeyeye highlighted that food safety is crucial not only for public health but also for economic growth and food security. She called on everyone, from food producers to consumers, to contribute to maintaining safe food standards.
Supporting her statement, Mrs. Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, pointed out that while foodborne diseases are costly, they are also preventable. She stressed the necessity of a coordinated effort across various sectors to handle food safety emergencies effectively.
Both Adeyeye and Edwards underscored the collective responsibility in promoting good hygiene practices to ensure a safer food supply for all. They emphasized that food safety is a shared responsibility and critical to global health and economic stability.
Victoria Ibiama
