Fellow NIFSTers,

June 7 marks World Food Safety Day, a globally recognized occasion to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks. This year’s theme, “Food Safety: science in action“ , resonates deeply with the current realities we face, both globally and here in Nigeria.

As members of the Nigerian Institute for Food Science and Technology (NIFST), we are at the forefront of ensuring the safety, quality and availability of food for our nation. Our expertise and dedication are more critical than ever in building resilient food systems that can withstand unforeseen challenges, be it climate change impacts, supply chain disruptions, or emerging foodborne hazards.

The recent incidents of food contamination and the persistent challenges of food insecurity in various parts of our country underscore the urgent need for robust food safety practices. It is a stark reminder that food safety is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health and economic stability.

On this significant day, I urge every one of us to recommit to our Professional responsibilities. Let’s actively engage in:

1) Promoting best practices: Championing adherence to international and national food safety standards in our respective capacities.
2) Innovating for resilience: Developing and implementing innovative solutions to enhance food safety across the entire food chain, from farm to fork.
3) Educating and sensitizing: Raising awareness among consumers, producers and policymakers about the importance of food safety.
4) Collaborating for impact: Working hand-in-hand with government agencies, industry stakeholders and research institutions to strengthen our collective food safety infrastructure.

The future of food safety in Nigeria rests significantly on our shoulders.

Let us embrace this responsibility with renewed vigor, ensuring that every plate of food consumed in our nation is safe, nutritious and wholesome.

Together, we can build a safer and healthier food future for all Nigerians.

Happy World Food Safety Day!

Sincerely,

Dr. Bola Osinowo FNIFST,FIAFoST
President, Nigerian Institute for Food Science and Technology (NIFST)