FG unveils revised national policy on food safety
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate
The Federal Government, on Friday, unveiled the revised National Policy on Food Safety and Quality, as well as inaugurated four technical working groups on food safety.
It did this in Abuja as part of activities to mark the 2024 World Food Safety Day, where the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture and other partners inaugurated the four inter-sectoral technical working groups
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, said the TWGs would provide expertise and leadership to drive effective communication, capacity building and strategic partnerships among stakeholders.
He stated that the groups would strengthen and harmonise Nigeria’s regulatory environment and risk-based food safety systems, while improving industry engagement in the national regulatory processes and compliance with international food safety standards.
Pate, represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, noted that the creation of the four TWGs was approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in January 2024.
He said, “The TWGs are focused on risk-based regulations, risk analysis in food and feed safety; food and sanitary and phytosanitary inspection; traceability and supporting technologies; education for all stakeholders and research.
“As we gather to mark the 2024 World Food Safety Day, we are reminded of the delicate balance that sustains this vital aspect of our lives.
“This year’s theme ‘Food safety: prepare for the unexpected’ is a clarion call to action, a reminder that vigilance is the guardian of our sustenance and unforeseen events that can compromise the integrity of our food supply. In the face of daunting challenges, our resolve remains unshaken. Preparedness is not just a watchword but our shield against the unpredictable tides of adversity.”
He declared that it was with that spirit that the FMHSW, in concert with stakeholders and partners, had meticulously revised the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its implementation plan.
Pate added that the policy, rooted in the One Health approach, addresses a spectrum of critical areas.
“It encompasses the principles of risk analysis, the issue of emerging contaminants within our food chain, and the establishment of an integrated foodborne disease surveillance and response system. Moreover, it sets forth benchmarks for the safe handling, marketing, and sale of food throughout our nation,” the minister stated.
In her remarks, the Programme Manager of USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Kelly Scavella, stated that the USDA-FAS was partnering with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other Nigerian stakeholders to help build food safety systems that are relevant to consumers, producers and regulators.
“The TWGs have been set up to modernise Nigeria’s food safety regulatory framework in line with international best practices to address food safety concerns and facilitate the development of a strong agriculture and food industry.
“Over the last decade, the Nigerian government has implemented important changes to bolster food safety by examining and enhancing critical components of the national food safety control system.
“Harnessing the expertise of the TWGs aligns with the core mission of World Food Safety Day, emphasising the importance of collaboration and innovation in safeguarding food and feed safety. As we commemorate this global initiative, the launch of these TWGs underscores Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable access to food in Nigeria,” Scavella stated.
In preparation for the passage of the Food Safety and Quality bill into law, FMHSW, in partnership with the USDA, the Food and Agriculture Export Alliance, the University of Missouri’s Africa Food Safety Initiative, and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, convened stakeholders for a prioritisation workshop in December 2022.
Stakeholders at the workshop recommended that technical working groups be comprised of experts from the public, private and academic sectors to support the development of science-based regulations.
In 2023, the National Assembly passed the Food Safety and Quality Bill. While the 2023 election and competing priorities delayed the passage of the Bill, the competent authorities continued to advance the modernisation agenda by re-convening stakeholders for an expertise coordination workshop in November 2023.
