The Edo/Delta Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) hosted her inaugural summit on Monday, August 26th, 2024, at the Training Hall, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Oko-Ogba, Benin City.
At the event, the Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, quality, and sustainable food for all citizens. This was made known by the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Stephen Idehenre.
Hon. Idehenre highlighted significant steps taken by the state government to address food safety and quality management challenges. Some of the interventions include, strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing food inspection and monitoring, supporting smallholder farmers with training and resources and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. He urged participants to share ideas, learn from each other, and collaborate towards ensuring safe, nutritious and sustainable food systems.
On his part, Chapter Chairman, Dr. Joseph Owhweruo, emphasized the importance of food safety in community wellbeing and economic development. Dr Joseph noted the need for professionals to stay updated on advancements in food science and technology and advocated for policies supporting innovation and progress.
He encouraged professionals to reflect on their responsibilities as food safety experts, noting that the challenges faced per region are unique and as such, solutions should be proffered based on the identified challenges.
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. John Igene, enlightened the audience of some factors that contribute to unsafe and poor quality of food across the various value chains. Igene decried some of the harmful practices by some traders and individuals in the society, who still use calcium carbide rather than the recommended ethylene gas for artificial fruit ripening.
Prof. Igene highlighted some of the health risks associated with the use of carbides. They include, pulmonary edema, cardiac arrest, colon and prostate cancer and kidney failure. Others include, mouth and nose irritations as well as nausea and vomiting.
The Plenary Speaker, Dr. Sylvanus Ogbor, emphasized the importance of collaboration among all relevant stakeholders in the food industry in order to promote the availability of safe and quality foods in the Edo/Delta region and beyond. He also stated that the food scientist/technologist must lead from the front by adopting recent technologies in tackling the food safety and quality challenges within the region.
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