OSUN GOVERNMENT ADOPTS NATIONAL POLICY ON FOOD SAFETY
By Segilola Babalola,
In a bid to ensure the safety of the citizens of Osun State from consuming contaminated food, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has officially adopted the National Policy on Food Safety and its Implementation Strategy (2014) in the State.
The Governor made this announcement at the official launch of the policy document in the Ministry of Health, Osogbo.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Barr Jola Akintola, the Governor emphasized that the National Policy on Food Safety and its Implementation Strategy (NPFSIS) was developed to address the country’s need for a modern and effective National Food Safety System.
He explained that food safety is a scientific discipline that encompasses the handling, preparation, storage, and transportation of food to prevent food borne illnesses, emphasizing,” It is the moral and legal responsibility of the government to protect the public against diseases, disabilities, and deaths, resulting from the consumption of unwholesome food and water.”
Dr. Akindele Adekunle, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, stressed the importance of collaboration among development partners such as WHO, UNICEF, NCDC, NAFDAC, and others to ensure the proper implementation and sustainability of the policy.
Additionally, Mrs. Oluseyi Ayodele, the Special Adviser to the Governor on the O’ Meal Feeding Program, expressed appreciation for government’s support for the program and emphasized the need for stakeholders to ensure the supply of good and healthy foods across the State.
In his welcome address, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, highlighted the significance of consuming safe food for developing immunity against diseases, contrasting it with the devastating consequences of consuming unsafe food, which can lead to organ failure and death.
He also acknowledged that the adoption of the policy is in line with the resolutions from the 58th meeting of the National Council on Health (NCH) held in Sokoto State in 2016.
Mr. Atanda John, the National Coordinator on Food Safety and Quality Management Program, who was represented by the State Coordinator on food safety and quality management program, Mr Afolabi Abiola commended Osun’s transformation under Governor Ademola Adeleke and assured support from the Federal Ministry of Health.
Dr. Akeem Bello, the Director of Public Health, stressed the importance of educating the public on the importance of health and advocated the domestication of the policy in the State.
Representatives from WHO, UNICEF, and the Director of the Multi-Disciplinary Research Laboratory at Uniosun emphasized the importance of collaboration, monitoring, enforcement, and funding for the successful implementation of the policy, pledging to collaborate with all stakeholders and ensure that necessary measures are put in place to implement the policy effectively.
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the State Ministry of Health, Dr Olakunle Famakinwa also appreciated all critical stakeholders, and admonished them to synergise for the success of the implementation of the policy in the State.
Among dignitaries at the occasion were: Alhaji Tajudeen Adisa, Chairman State Primary Health Care Development Board; Mrs. Olaogun Adepeju, Director of Nursing; as well as Healthcare Workers, representatives of NOA and Water Regulatory Agency, among others.