BREAKING: Like Lagos, Oyo Bans Use of Styrofoam For Food Storage
The ban was announced on Monday, March 11, by the state commissioner for health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi.
The Oyo state government has finally banned the use of Styrofoam for food storage in what appears to be a renewed effort to combat environmental pollution.
The ban was announced on Monday, March 11, by the state commissioner for health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi.
Speaking at the Safety Stakeholders Forum held at the Conference Room of the ministry, the commissioner stated that the state government has inaugurated a Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force to enforce the ban.
The commissioner, represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, noted that prevention is better and cheaper than cure; hence the need for people to adhere strictly to food standards to save lives in the State.
She explained that the task force would sensitise the food chain actors on the importance of the government’s implementation of food safety standards.
Govt inaugurates enforcement task force
The commissioner also explained that the menace of food poisoning, indiscriminate use of chemical products for food production, processing, packaging and other sharp practices being carried out by food business operators have become great public health concerns in the State.
“Consequently, the use of Styrofoam for food services, storage, and other related usage in that State is also banned,” she said.
The Enforcement Task Force comprises members from the State Food Safety Management Committee, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP), the Association of Canteen Workers, and many others.
OYHA advises Makinde to ban styrofoam
NEWSLAMP recalls that Oyo State House of Assembly had advised Governor Seyi Makinde to disallow the state’s use of Styrofoam for food-associated reasons.
Gabriel Babajide and Sanjo Adedoyin, the leaders in the house, advocated the proposal to ban Styrofoam for food packaging systems and food reserves across the State.
One of the leaders in the house who initiated the proposal said the purpose of the decision is to encourage working together among the state Executive Council and some Ministries, the Ministry of Health, and the National Resource and Environment, to implement a total ban on Styrofoam within the state.
