The federal government has launched a new national policy on food safety and security The four inter-sectoral Technical Working Groups TWGs were also unveiled on Friday, June 7, in Abuja The minister of health, Mohammed Ali Pate, emphasized the initiatives role in strengthening Nigerias regulatory environment and aligning with international food safety standards
the federal government has launched a new national policy on food safety and security to protect Nigerians from a contaminated food chain.
On Friday, June 7, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare FMHSW, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture USDA and its partners, inaugurated four inter-sectoral technical working groups TWGs in Abuja The stakeholder meeting, attended by Legit.ng, was organized by USDA in collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group NESG, and the US industry-led group Food Agriculture Export Alliance FAEA.
The TWGs will offer expertise and leadership to facilitate efficient communication, skill development, and stakeholder collaboration.
Speaking at the event, Health Minister Professor Mohammed Ali Pate highlighted that the initiative is part of ongoing endeavors to enhance and streamline Nigerias regulatory framework and risk-based food safety protocols.
The minister, who was represented by the ministrys permanent secretary, Daju Kachollom, added that the initiative would also improve industry engagement in the national regulatory processes and compliance with international food safety standards, ThisDay also reported.
He said 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.
Also speaking, Kelly Scavella, program manager for the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service USDA-FAS, stated that the collaboration with stakeholders aims to develop food safety systems that cater to the needs of consumers, producers, and regulators alike.
