The Oyo State Government has implemented a ban on the use of styrofoam for food services, storage, and related purposes, following a directive from the state House of Assembly. This decision was announced by the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum. The ban is part of the government's efforts to uphold food safety standards and prevent health risks associated with the use of styrofoam.
To enforce the ban, the government inaugurated the Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force. The task force is responsible for overseeing the enforcement of food safety rules and regulations in the state. Ajetunmobi emphasized the importance of adhering to food standards to prevent food poisoning and other health hazards, noting that prevention is better and cheaper than cure.
The task force will conduct sensitization campaigns to educate food business operators on the importance of implementing food safety standards. The director of food, water, and laboratory services, Afusat Akande, outlined the requirements for certification, including routine medical fitness certificates, regular fumigation of production premises, and water quality analysis. The task force, led by Permanent Secretary Akintunde Ayinde, comprises members from various sectors to ensure effective enforcement of the ban.
