The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against the practice of storing cooked food in refrigerators for more than three days. This cautionary advice comes amidst concerns over the potential health risks posed by improperly stored food.
In a statement released by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, on Tuesday, NAFDAC emphasized the dangers associated with keeping cooked meals in refrigerators beyond the recommended period. The agency stressed that such practices increase the risk of contamination by disease-causing pathogens, which can lead to severe foodborne illnesses and even death.
The statement highlighted, “Prof Mojisola Adeyeye urged Nigerians to refrain from storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days, warning that cooked food stored in the refrigerator for days is susceptible to contamination by disease-causing pathogens, key agents of foodborne diseases that can lead to death.”
The caution was reiterated during the 2024 World Food Safety Day, celebrated under the theme ‘Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected’. At the event, Adeyeye urged stakeholders across the food supply chain to adopt stringent food safety practices to mitigate hazards and risks that jeopardize food safety.
Emphasizing the broader implications of food safety, Adeyeye underscored its significance not only for public health but also for economic development. She called upon all actors involved in food production and consumption to uphold their responsibilities in ensuring food safety standards are maintained.
“Let us all stay true to the statements ‘food safety is everyone’s business’ and ‘food safety is a shared responsibility’ as we mark this year’s World Food Safety Day,” Adeyeye emphasized.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 600 million people globally fall ill each year due to consuming contaminated food, leading to 420,000 deaths annually and a substantial loss of healthy life years.
As NAFDAC continues to advocate for improved food safety practices, the agency aims to strengthen Nigeria’s food safety system, enhancing its resilience and readiness to handle unforeseen challenges in food safety.
Stakeholders and the general public are urged to adhere strictly to food safety guidelines to safeguard public health and ensure the integrity of food products across Nigeria.
