The National Agency for Food and Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised Nigerians to avoid storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days, warning that it can lead to contamination by disease-causing pathogens, resulting in foodborne diseases that can be fatal.
NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye while sounding the warning said:
“Food safety is not only important for public health, but also for economic development and food security… Everyone from producers to consumers needs to play their part to ensure food safety.”
Adeyeye emphasized that foodborne diseases are preventable, and stressed the importance of a collective effort to ensure food safety, citing the theme of the 2024 World Food Safety Day, “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.”
She warned, “Let us all stay true to the statements ‘food safety is everyone’s business’ and ‘food safety is a shared responsibility’… Working together, we will continue to strengthen our food safety system, ensuring its resilience, robustness, and preparedness for the unexpected.”
Similarly, Mrs Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, alerted that foodborne diseases are expensive but preventable, and emphasized the need for a multisectoral approach to ensure food safety.
She urged, “Let’s all play our part in promoting the culture of good hygiene practices in our homes, communities, and food establishments. Together we can ensure a safer and healthier food supply for everyone.”
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