In undeterred by heavy rainfall, the team, led by its Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Edith Alagbe, moved through various sections of the market, engaging traders and shoppers with life-saving information on proper food handling and hygiene.

Carrying bold placards with vital messages such as: “Do not use paracetamol to cook meat”; “Do not use newspaper to package oily foods. Use plain paper”; “Wash your hands with soap and water before touching food”; “Do not add colour to palm oil”; “Do not put hot food in nylon”; “Food safety is everybody’s business” — the group addressed common but dangerous practices that lead to food contamination and poisoning.

A strong warning was issued against the use of burning tyres to process animal hides (“Ponmo”), citing links to cancer due to the toxic substances involved.

The team also urged market vendors to protect their food items from flies, rodents, and cockroaches, all of which are known vectors for foodborne diseases.

The effort aligns with this year’s global theme: “Food Safety: Science in Action.”