CurrentReport Blog In a crucial advisory from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General, has strongly recommended that Nigerians should not store cooked food in their refrigerators for more than three days. This cautionary advice is intended to curb the risk of foodborne illnesses, which are a significant public health concern.
The warning was conveyed through a statement by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, on Tuesday. The statement highlighted the potential dangers of keeping cooked food in refrigerators beyond a short duration. Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that prolonged storage can lead to contamination by disease-causing pathogens. These pathogens are notorious for causing foodborne diseases that can sometimes be fatal.
“Refrain from storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days,” Prof. Adeyeye advised. “Cooked food stored in the refrigerator for days is susceptible to contamination by disease-causing pathogens, key agents of foodborne diseases that can lead to death.”
World Food Safety Day Insights
Speaking at the 2024 World Food Safety Day, themed ‘Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected’, Prof. Adeyeye appealed to everyone involved in the food supply chain to prioritize food safety. She urged stakeholders to cultivate a robust food safety culture to mitigate food hazards and ensure the safety of food.
“Food safety is critical not just for public health but also for economic development. It is a shared responsibility that involves everyone from producers to consumers,” she stressed.
The message resonates with the global theme that food safety is an integral part of daily life and business. Prof. Adeyeye called for concerted efforts to enhance the resilience and robustness of food safety systems to handle unforeseen challenges.
Global Food Safety Concerns
The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the severity of foodborne illnesses globally. Each year, approximately 600 million people – almost one in ten – fall ill after consuming contaminated food. Tragically, about 420,000 of these cases result in death, leading to the loss of 33 million healthy life years. These statistics highlight the dire need for stringent food safety practices worldwide.
The Call to Action
NAFDAC’s advice serves as a crucial reminder for Nigerians to adopt better food storage practices. This includes adhering to the recommended three-day limit for refrigerating cooked food to prevent potential health risks.
Prof. Adeyeye’s message underlines the collective responsibility in maintaining food safety. As Nigeria and the world navigate complex food safety landscapes, the need for vigilance and proactive measures cannot be overstated.
“We must all stay true to the statements ‘food safety is everyone’s business’ and ‘food safety is a shared responsibility’ as we mark this year’s World Food Safety Day,” Prof. Adeyeye concluded. “Working together, we will continue to strengthen our food safety system, ensuring its resilience, robustness, and preparedness for the unexpected.”
By following these guidelines and fostering a culture of food safety, Nigerians can contribute to the well-being of their communities and the nation at large.
