It was another enlightening time at Ogba Sunday Market as Lagos Chapter of Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) collaborated with London Professional Training Centre (LPTC) to create awareness about the importance of consuming safe foods.

The Street Food Safety (SFS) Initiative team of the Chapter ably led by the chairman, Mrs. Yetunde Popoola, supported by Chapter executives and members teamed up with the LPTC team to create awareness of the 2025 World Food Safety Day (WFSD) which has been tagged ‘Food Safety: Science in Action’

The combined team were relentless in combing through the different sections of the market with the aim to disseminate the importance of proper handling of food materials to ensure consumers purchase of wholesome and high quality raw materials for consumption. Emphasis was laid on disabusing the use of harmful chemicals (eg Sniper a toxic chemical which contains Bifenthrin) on stock fish and dried grains or even on fresh fish and meat on display. These chemicals are hazardous and extremely poisonous when consumed even in minute quantities.

Aside the food safety campaign, the organizers LPTC put together a health check where market traders and visitors to the market had free basic medical checks to ensure that the handlers of food are also fit and not exhausted health wise from the busy schedule of trading activities.

In response, one of the market traders appreciated the efforts of the organizers stating that the management of the market prioritize hygiene and discourages sharp practices which she said is germane because they also consume part of the food products they sell.
NIFST Lagos Chapter remains committed to safe food for consumers in the state and will not relent on efforts for market sensitization.

The chapter has lined up a series of activities to mark the 2025 World Food Safety Day in the coming days. These activities include a Radio Awareness programme on Radio One 103.5FM on Saturday 7th June, 2025 between 1:15 – 1: 35pm; Webinar Thursday 12th June, 2025 between 4pm – 6pm; Market Sensitization at Ojuwoye market Mushin 17th June, 2025 by 10am – 1pm. NIFSTers and the general public are encouraged to join in these activities in celebration of 2025 WFSD.

Food Safety: Science in Action!
Safe Food, Safe Life!
Science of Food; Science of Survival!

Compiled by:
ABE Ayodeji (Publicity Secretary, NIFST Lagos Chapter)
OGUNJI, Akinyele
OKEKE, Ifeoma Vivia (Website Adminsitrator)