Poisoning: Don tasks public on hygienic food processing

Poison

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Ilorin, June, 13, 2022 (NAN) Prof. Bashir Raji, a soil scientist and lecturer at the Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, on Monday urged Nigerians to be mindful of how they process foods to guard against poisoning.

Raji gave the advice during his lecture entitled: “Safe Food for Healthy Tomorrow,” in commemoration of the ‘World Food Safety Day’ in Ilorin.

The scientist stated that the global community, marking World Food Safety Day, was a good thing and should be sustained.

“It will remind us of our duties. Nigerians must be mindful of how their foods are processed to guard them against food poisoning,” he said.

According to him, foods are contaminated through excessive use of chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers during crop production, and when consumed, it could lead to food poisoning.

The don, who is the former Chairman of the University of Ilorin Computer-Based-Test Centre, also pointed out that due to epileptic power supply, cooked foods left exposed for more than two hours could attract germs and viruses.

He says that in such circumstances, there is need to throw them away or reheat properly before consumption to guard against diarrhoea.

Raji said that every participant in the food value chain, from farm to the table, must ensure contamination-free food for a healthy society.

He opined that making food safety a priority, would make more people healthier, more productive and reduce pressure on healthcare systems. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FATY/OOA/IA

Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Idris Abdulrahman