In a bid to safeguard residents from potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated food, the government of Rivers State has officially inaugurated a Task Force on Food Safety.
While speaking at the inauguration held on Tuesday at the Ministry of Agriculture, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Victor Kii, noted that the task force was established to develop and implement strategies that would guarantee the highest food safety standards throughout the state.
He called for cooperation among stakeholders, including farmers, producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, Commissioner Kii inaugurated the task force on behalf of
Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Kii highlighted that collaboration between the Ministry and task force members would help them identify potential risks, address existing gaps in food safety regulations, and implement preventive measures against foodborne illnesses.
The task force will tackle various critical areas to enhance food safety. Public education programmes will be organized to inform citizens about safe food handling practices.
Thorough data collection will be employed to pinpoint vulnerabilities within the food supply chain. Veterinarians will conduct inspections at abattoirs to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Measures will be implemented to prevent unauthorized processed meat from entering the sales chain. Livestock markets and frozen food companies will also be monitored to identify and address potential safety concerns.
He further noted that the task force members were selected from the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Environment, and Justice, along with representatives from security agencies.
The Commissioner expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his leadership in establishing the task force.
He stressed the need to prioritize food safety measures even amidst the current food crisis faced by the nation.