On Monday, the Oyo State Government implemented a ban on the use of styrofoam for food services, storage, and related purposes.
This decision followed a resolution passed by the state House of Assembly on February 8, 2024, urging the government to prohibit the use of styrofoam for food-related activities.
The government inaugurated the Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force to oversee the enforcement of food safety regulations across the state.
Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Commissioner for Health, announced the ban during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum and the inauguration of the task force in Ibadan, the state capital.
Ajetunmobi stressed that the ban was part of the government’s efforts to uphold food safety standards and prevent health hazards associated with the indiscriminate use of styrofoam.
Represented by Akintunde Ayinde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ajetunmobi emphasized the importance of adhering to food standards to safeguard public health.
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She highlighted the concerns regarding food poisoning and other malpractices among food business operators in the state.
The task force will conduct sensitization programs to educate stakeholders along the food chain about the importance of implementing food safety standards.
Afusat Akande, the director of food, water, and laboratory services, outlined the requirements that food actors must meet to obtain certification, including medical fitness certificates, regular fumigation of premises, and water quality analysis.
Ayinde, the leader of the task force, pledged to collaborate with the ministry to achieve its objectives.
The task force comprises members from various organizations, including the state Food Safety Management Committee, the Nigeria Police Force, and associations representing table water producers and canteen workers.
The ban on styrofoam usage aligns with efforts to promote environmental sustainability and follows similar actions taken by other states, such as Lagos, which initiated a ban on single-use plastics, including styrofoam, in January.
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