In a significant move towards promoting public health, the Oyo State Government has taken decisive action by banning the use of Styrofoam for packaging food. The announcement was made by the State’s Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum convened at the Ministry's Conference Room in Ibadan.

Ajetunmobi emphasized the growing concern over the prevalence of food poisoning, the indiscriminate use of chemical products in food production, processing, packaging, and other unscrupulous practices among food business operators in the state. He underscored the crucial role of the Directorate of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services in regulating food business operations to ensure the availability of wholesome edibles for public consumption. The commissioner pledged to enhance monitoring and inspection efforts to uphold food safety standards across the state.

As part of the initiative, the Oyo State Government inaugurated a task force on food safety comprising members from various stakeholders, including the State Food Safety Management Committee, the Nigeria Police Force, the Association of Table Water Producers, and the Association of Canteen Workers. This collaborative effort aims to enforce compliance with food safety regulations and safeguard public health.

Speaking further, Afusat Akande, the Director of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services at the State Ministry of Health, outlined the essential requirements for certification along the food chain. These include obtaining routine medical fitness certificates from designated state government hospitals, providing evidence of regular fumigation of production premises by recognized consultants from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and conducting water quality analysis by consultants recognized by the Ministry of Health.

The Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Taskforce, headed by Permanent Secretary Akintunde Ayinde, expressed commitment to working closely with the ministry to achieve the objective of ensuring food safety in the state. This collaborative approach underscores the government's dedication to protecting the well-being of its citizens by maintaining stringent standards in food production and distribution.

The ban on Styrofoam for food packaging and the establishment of a dedicated task force signal the Oyo State Government's proactive stance in addressing food safety concerns. By implementing stringent regulations and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the government aims to instill confidence in consumers and promote a culture of safe food practices across the state.