The federal government has introduced the Food Safety Operational Manual, which focuses on hygiene and addresses the challenges associated with food processing and marketing in the country.
The document outlines directives for food business operators regarding proper food handling, hygiene practices, and safety protocols throughout the value chain.
Key players in the food industry, along with lawmakers, emphasize that the new framework will enhance trade by improving the safety of exported food products and restoring consumer confidence in locally produced foods.
Furthermore, the government has stated that it will rigorously enforce the law against food adulteration, emphasizing that food safety is a collective responsibility that begins on the farm and ends at the consumer’s table.
Food safety enforcement in Nigeria has been fragmented, with many operators unaware of basic hygiene protocols and enforcement officers lacking a cohesive framework.