Adeyeye, has issued a warning to Nigerians about the dangers of storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days. Adeyeye emphasized that keeping cooked food for extended periods in the refrigerator increases the risk of contamination by disease-causing pathogens, which can lead to foodborne illnesses and even death.
This cautionary statement from Adeyeye comes as Nigeria commemorates World Food Safety Day with the theme “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.” The annual event, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, aims to raise awareness and promote efforts to prevent, detect, and address public health risks associated with unsafe food.
In a statement released by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, Adeyeye emphasized the need for stakeholders in the food supply chain to prioritize food safety and establish a culture of safe food handling and storage practices. Adeyeye stressed that food safety is crucial not only for public health but also for economic development and food security.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly one in ten people worldwide, approximately 600 million individuals, fall ill each year from eating contaminated food. Tragically, around 420,000 of these cases result in death, causing the loss of 33 million healthy life years. Furthermore, unsafe food costs low- and middle-income countries approximately $110 billion annually in productivity losses and medical expenses.
Mrs. Eva Edwards, the Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, highlighted the preventable nature of foodborne diseases and the importance of proper food handling. Edwards emphasized that food safety emergency response should involve a collaborative, integrated approach across multiple sectors, including health, agriculture, environment, and government agencies. She called for the promotion of good hygiene practices in homes, communities, and food establishments to ensure a safer and healthier food supply for everyone.
As Nigeria observes World Food Safety Day, it is crucial for individuals, food producers, and consumers to recognize their role in maintaining food safety. By adhering to proper food handling and storage practices, we can mitigate the risks of contamination and contribute to a safer food environment. Let us all work together to prioritize food safety and protect the health and well-being of our communities.
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