The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof Moji Adeyeye, has advised against storing cooked food in the refrigerator for over three days to prevent contamination by disease-causing pathogens. In line with the 2024 World Food Safety Day theme, ‘Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected’, Adeyeye urged stakeholders to prioritize food safety in their operations.
The World Food Safety Day, recognized on June 7, aims to raise awareness about preventing food-related health risks globally. Adeyeye emphasized the importance of maintaining food safety for public health, economic development, and food security. She stressed the need for a collective effort from producers to consumers in ensuring food safety.
With an estimated 600 million people falling ill and 420,000 deaths annually from contaminated food, WHO reports $110bn lost in productivity and medical expenses in low- and middle-income countries. NAFDAC Director of Food Safety, Mrs. Eva Edwards, highlighted the preventable nature of foodborne diseases and the importance of proper food handling.
Edwards called for a collaborative one-health approach in food safety emergency responses across various sectors. Promoting good hygiene practices in homes, communities, and food establishments is crucial for a safer and healthier food supply. Let’s all contribute to ensuring food safety for everyone.