Lagos moves to curtail food poisoning

Lagos State government said it is doing everything possible to avoid food poisoning in the distribution process from farm to consumers. Special Adviser to the Governor on Food Security, Ganiyu Sanni Okanlawon made the revelation at a Lecture/Induction and Awards Presentation organised by the Institute of Security at the University of Lagos.

He said government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring wholesomeness in processing and distribution of food in the state adding that the state will soon put in place Food Marshall Cops, which will be deployed to markets across the state.

Okanlawon said the Food Marshal Corps will be trained on food hygiene and handling, and they will work together with the market executives in various markets to inspect food that are brought into the state.

He commended the state for choosing the theme “Agro terrorism and Biological Crime’’, adding that the topic is very apt and relevant especially when all hands are on deck to promote food security and encourage investment in agriculture.

He disclosed that some people use carbide to ripen plantains, banana and some other fruits while some processors use formalin to preserve chicken, turkey and beef before getting it to the markets, adding that government is very much aware of all the unhygienic and unwholesome practices, stressing that government is not relenting in its efforts to curb food poisoning in the state.