Osun State Government Adopts National Policy on Food Safety for Public Health Protection
The Osun State Government has formally embraced the National Policy on Food Safety and Implementation Strategy, 2014, for adaptation within the state, aiming to safeguard the residents from consuming contaminated food.
Governor Ademola Adeleke disclosed this during the policy document’s official launch, highlighting its significance in ensuring food safety and protection for the state’s populace.
The governor, represented by Commissioner for Health Jola Akintola, underscored the importance of the National Policy on Food Safety and Implementation Strategy (NPFSIS) in establishing a modern and effective national food safety system to combat food-borne illnesses.
He emphasized that food safety encompasses various aspects such as handling, preparation, storage, and transportation to prevent diseases caused by consuming unwholesome food and water, stating that it is the government’s moral and legal obligation to protect the public from such health hazards.
Dr. Akindele Adekunle, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, emphasized the need for collaboration with development partners like WHO, UNICEF, NCDC, NAFDAC, among others, to ensure the effective implementation and sustainability of the policy.
Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, highlighted the importance of consuming safe food for building immunity against diseases. He contrasted this with the severe consequences of consuming unsafe food, which can lead to organ failure and death.
The adoption of the policy aligns with the resolutions of the 58th meeting of the National Council on Health (NCH) held in Sokoto State in 2016, demonstrating the state government’s commitment to improving food safety standards and protecting public health.
Daily Post
