Oyo State joins Lagos to ban the use of styrofoam for food packaging

The Oyo state government has announced the ban of styrofoam for food packaging.

This was made known by the state’s Commissioner for Health Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum held at the Conference Room of the Ministry in Ibadan on Monday, March 11, 2024.

According to Ajetunmobi, the use of chemical products for food production, processing, packaging being conducted by food business operators poses a huge health risk.

He said,

“The directorate of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services is saddled with the responsibility to regulate food business operations to ensure the presentation of wholesome edibles for public consumption in the state, and planned to double her efforts to monitor/inspect food business premises in the state.

“Consequently, the use of Styrofoam for food services, storage, and other related usage in that State is also banned.”

He also mentioned that the Oyo State government has also commissioned a task force on food safety which comprises members of the State Food Safety Management Committee, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP), the Association of Canteen Workers, among others.

The Director of Food, Water and Laboratory Services, State Ministry of Health Afusat Akande mentioned some of the basic requirements needed for the marketers to possess before certification.

Listing some of the requirements, the health commissioner stated; routine medical fitness certificates from designated state government hospitals; evidence of regular fumigation of production premises by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources recognized consultant; and water quality analysis by the Ministry of Health recognized consultant, others.

The Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force headed by Permanent Secretary Akintunde Ayinde assured of his commitment to work with the ministry to ensure food safety in the state.