The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned Nigerians to avoid storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days. The agency warned that prolonged storage increases the risk of contamination by disease-causing pathogens, which can lead to foodborne illnesses and potentially fatal outcomes.
NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the need for a robust food safety culture throughout the supply chain during the 2024 World Food Safety Day, themed "Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected." She highlighted the global impact of food contamination, noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in ten people fall ill and 420,000 die annually due to contaminated food, with children under five and vulnerable groups being most affected.
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Adeyeye stressed that food safety is critical for public health, economic development, and food security. She called on all stakeholders—from producers to consumers—to ensure food safety at every stage, from farm to table. WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are urging stakeholders to be prepared for unexpected food safety threats in the increasingly interconnected global food supply chain.
The DG reiterated that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has developed comprehensive programs to combat foodborne diseases, including the National Integrated Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Surveillance and Response. Adeyeye challenged everyone involved in the food supply chain to assess their preparedness for unexpected incidents, underscoring that food safety is a shared responsibility.
