Experts demand stricter monitoring to tackle food safety lapses

Experts demand stricter monitoring to tackle food safety lapses

Agricultural experts have demand for stronger and stricter government monitoring and enforcement of food processing standards to curb food safety breaches across the country.

The experts made the call in separate interviews with The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

An agriculture analyst, Mr Charles Idonije, stressed the need for a unified regulatory framework to ensure compliance with hygienic practices in food processing.

According to him, the multiplicity of regulatory agencies has contributed to weak enforcement of food safety standards.

“The fragmentation of regulatory bodies is a major challenge in achieving food safety compliance.

“There is a need for a centralised agency dedicated to monitoring and enforcing quality control across the food value chain,” he said.

Idonije noted that food safety begins at the production stage, urging proper training for farmers and stakeholders to ensure adherence to safety standards from farm to table.

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“Food security goes beyond availability; it also involves strict compliance with handling and processing standards.

“Effective quality control will help prevent food poisoning and enable traceability of food-related illnesses,” he added.

Also speaking, an agriculture analyst, Mr Omotunde Banjoko, emphasised the need to strengthen monitoring at the grassroots level.

Banjoko urged local government authorities, particularly sanitation units, to intensify inspection of markets, eateries and food processing outlets.

“Local government agencies are critical to enforcing hygiene standards, but their monitoring activities appear inadequate.

“Sanitation officers must be empowered to ensure compliance in markets and food businesses within communities,” he said.

He further called for improved enforcement by national regulatory bodies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Banjoko also advocated increased public awareness on proper food handling practices.

“Government must revitalise its monitoring systems and ensure strict compliance to safeguard public health.

“Even small-scale food producers, including bakeries, should be subjected to regular inspections,” he said.