The Lagos State Government has again charged food service providers to ensure strict compliance with safety measures while preparing food for public consumption.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Dr. Jimoh Yusuf gave the charge in his goodwill message at a one-day sensitisation and advocacy programme on food safety at the 3BEES Event Center, Ketu, Lagos.
Yusuf urged the Restaurant and Food Services Proprietors of Nigeria (REFSPAN), as well as other stakeholders in the sector, to pay attention to food safety compliance saying, “safety comes first and everyone needs to be proactive when it comes to safety”.
In his contribution, the Director-General of Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Hakeem Dickson remarked that safety in all aspects of life cannot be overemphasised, particularly in the area of food production.
He declared that the sensitisation programme was aimed at enlightening stakeholders in the sector on the basic regulations, safety and precautionary practices in food production.
Responding, Lady Kehinde Kamson, the President of REFSPAN restated that the association was established to oversee the affairs of restaurants and fast food outlets in Nigeria.
She reiterated that the assumption that the government was not collaborating with REFSPAN was false, affirming that full cooperation exists between both organisations to ensure adequate compliance with regulations.
