In recent years, the Nigerian food and catering industry has witnessed significant growth, catering to the diverse culinary needs of the population. However, as the industry expands, ensuring food safety becomes paramount. The safety of the food we consume directly impacts our health and well-being. This article explores the importance of food safety in the Nigerian food and catering industry, drawing lessons from the United States, a leader in food safety practices.
The current scenario
The Nigerian food and catering industry plays a vital role in providing meals to millions of people daily. From street vendors and restaurants to institutional catering services, the industry offers a wide range of options. However, reports of food-borne illnesses and outbreaks have raised concerns about the safety of the food being served.
Understanding food safety
Food safety refers to the measures taken to ensure that food is safe for consumption, free from contaminants and harmful bacteria. It encompasses various aspects, including food handling, storage, preparation, and hygiene practices.
Instances of food safety practices in the United States
1. Stringent regulations: The United States has a comprehensive system of federal regulations that govern food safety. Agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) enforce these regulations, ensuring that food businesses comply with safety standards.
2. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): HACCP is a preventive system that identifies and controls potential hazards in food production. It is widely implemented in the United States, requiring food businesses to identify critical control points and establish control measures to minimise risks.
3. Food safety training: Food handlers in the United States undergo rigorous training programmes to ensure they understand and follow proper food safety practices. This includes training on personal hygiene, safe food handling, and sanitation.
4. Inspection and monitoring: The United States has a robust inspection and monitoring system to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Regular inspections are conducted at food establishments, and samples are tested for contaminants.
Applying lessons to the Nigerian food and catering industry:
1. Adopting stringent regulations: Nigerian regulatory bodies, such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), should work together towards developing and enforcing stringent food safety regulations, especially for street food and food suppliers from home. It is important to consider establishing a separate body responsible for monitoring food production safety, separate from NAFDAC, which currently has combined responsibilities for monitoring food and drugs.
2. Implementing HACCP: The Nigerian food and catering industry should consider implementing HACCP systems to identify and control potential hazards in food production. This will help prevent food-borne illnesses and ensure the safety of the food being served.
3. Enhancing food safety training: Comprehensive training programmes should be provided to food handlers in Nigeria, focusing on personal hygiene, safe food handling, and sanitation. This will increase awareness and adherence to food safety practices.
4. Strengthening inspection and monitoring: Regulatory bodies, including the proposed separate body responsible for food production safety, should conduct regular inspections and monitoring of food establishments to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Samples should be tested for contaminants to identify potential risks.
Conclusion
Ensuring food safety in the Nigerian food and catering industry is crucial for protecting the health and well-being of the population. By learning from the United States’ food safety practices, including stringent regulations, HACCP implementation, comprehensive training, and robust inspection systems, Nigeria can establish higher standards of food safety. It is imperative for all stakeholders, including food handlers, consumers, and regulatory bodies, to work together to create and achieve the highest standards of food safety. Let’s prioritize food safety and enjoy the culinary delights our country has to offer with confidence.
Ologunde, the founder and CEO of Creacion Cakes Co. wrote this from the United Kingdom. She can be reached at dolapoolowo@gmail.com