In a recent development, the Oyo State Government has taken decisive action by banning the use of styrofoam and other single-use plastics.
The decision comes after the state House of Assembly passed a resolution on February 8, 2024, urging the government to prohibit the use of styrofoam for food-related purposes.
To enforce compliance with food safety regulations, the state has established the Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force. The announcement was made by Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Commissioner for Health, during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum held in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.
Ajetunmobi emphasized that the ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics is part of the government’s commitment to upholding food safety standards and protecting public health. The aim is to prevent food poisoning, curb the indiscriminate use of chemicals in food production, processing, and packaging, and address other malpractices prevalent among food business operators.
The directorate of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services has been entrusted with the responsibility of regulating food business operations and intensifying inspections of food premises across the state. In addition to the ban, the task force will engage in extensive awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders along the food chain about the importance of adhering to food safety standards.
Afusat Akande, the director of food, water, and laboratory services, outlined the requirements that must be met by actors within the food industry to obtain certification. These include obtaining routine medical fitness certificates from designated state government hospitals, ensuring regular fumigation of production premises by recognized consultants from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and conducting water quality analysis with the assistance of recognized consultants from the Ministry of Health.
The task force, led by Permanent Secretary Akintunde Ayinde, comprises members from the state Food Safety Management Committee, the Nigeria Police Force, the Association of Table Water Producers, the Association of Canteen Workers, and other relevant stakeholders.
It is worth noting that the ban in Oyo State follows a similar initiative undertaken by the Lagos State Government in January, which prohibited the use and distribution of styrofoam and single-use plastics throughout the state.