The Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Directorate of Lagos State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Lagos State Safety Commission of Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations marked World Food Safety Day with the theme "Food Standards Save Lives" at Mile 12 International Market, the largest market of fresh farm produce in sub-Saharan Africa.

As a relevant stakeholder in the food industry, a food safety advocate and “acclaimed food evangelist”, Rasaq Oke of FOODDOTCOMACADEMY SERVICES was invited to Mile 12 International Market to address the executive team, market men and women, food handlers, retailers, vendors and customers of this fresh produce market, including the Shukura Yam Sellers Association of the Orisunbare Fruits and Vegetables market at Ikosi-Isheri. He spoke about “Food safety: the role of handlers and marketers.”

According to Oke, the attentive food handlers and marketers were happy and agreed to share best practices on good and personal hygiene practices and learnt during this short talk how to reduce the incidence of foodborne illness in the market and at home. They were dissuaded by various speakers from the government agencies present and their leaders on the use of 'carbide', a dangerous chemical that accelerates the ripening of fruits. They agreed that 'Food safety is everyone's responsibility' and asked that government bodies play their part in the provision of basic infrastructures in the market.

Photo © Rasaq Oke, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FOODDOTCOMACADEMY SERVICES