Nigeria improves food safety by releasing a set of unified training manuals

In order to enhance food safety, Nigeria is using a variety of training materials. The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) created a Unified Food Safety Training Manuals for capacity building of food sellers, food handlers, food producers, and employees throughout the country’s whole food supply chain. The manual supports one of the National Policy for Food System and Implementation Strategy's objectives (NPFSIS). The training material was created to address the gaps in the Food Safety System at the federal, state, and local levels in order to build a safe and dependable food supply chain from farm to table that prevents food-borne disease.    

“Food safety and hygiene is critical for achieving primary health care as it constitutes one of the major pillars of disease prevention and health promotion,” stated Minister of Health Osagie Ehanire. Ehanire said that the food safety training handbook was created by Nigerian stakeholders and will be useful in educating farmers, food processors, marketers, and vendors on the need of ensuring that food supplied, promoted, and eaten satisfies national and international standards.    

Dr. Edwin Isotu Edeh, WHO Nigeria Country Representative, said that “The launching of the manuals is quite timely, given that the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in food production and control systems highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic”. He added that “taking into account the global burden of foodborne diseases, which affect individuals of all ages, in particular children under five years and persons living in developing nations, it becomes imperative to equip food handlers and service providers along the food supply chain with essential food safety knowledge and skills to promote food hygiene and prevent foods related hazards at critical control points”.    

Food safety is an essential component of health security, and WHO is working with federal and state ministries of health, as well as other regulatory agencies, to push for its integration into national policies and programs in accordance with the International Health Regulations. WHO is also committed to assisting Nigeria in disseminating the manual throughout the country and training food handlers at all levels.    

Source:  

https://www.afro.who.int/news/nigeria-strengthens-food-safety-launches-unified-training-manuals