By Adeola Ogunlade
The Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to ensuring food safety and hygiene across the state through comprehensive health screening for food handlers, regular testing of drinking water, and intensified public sensitization campaigns.
Speaking at an event to mark World Food Safety Day, the Director of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Dr Folarin Theophilus Ajayi, recently disclosed that the government had taken proactive steps to guarantee that food consumed by residents meets international safety standards.
Ajayi highlighted that the Safe Plate Initiative, signed into law in July last year by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is a key tool in driving this mission.
“The goal is to ensure every food handler undergoes a compulsory health screening and food safety training. We are also conducting rigorous testing of water sources to certify their wholesomeness,” he said.
He explained that the initiative is technologically driven and relies on certified laboratories for accurate testing results.
“Only accredited labs are authorized to carry out these tests, and food vendors must pass them to operate legally,” he said.
“Through these public outreach efforts, we are teaching vendors how to handle food properly, wash hands correctly, and keep their environment clean. Once people make it a habit, the community benefits,” Ajayi added.
Also speaking at the forum, Head of Enforcement at the Directorate, San Ojo, emphasized the government’s legal authority and readiness to uphold food safety laws.
“We operate under the provisions of the national food safety policy and public health laws. Enforcement is our responsibility, and we work closely with local governments to monitor food handling at the grassroots level,” Ojo said.
He referenced specific sections of the state’s public health law, noting that Sections 6, 43, and 53 give the department full enforcement rights over food safety infractions.
“No other department has this jurisdiction. We oversee what is brought into markets and ensure compliance with the law,” he stated.
