By Eminabo Ben-Whyte
The Commissioner for Delta State Ministry Of Environment, Mr. Jamani Tommy Ejiro has harped on the impact of food hygiene on the well being of all Deltans.
Jamani made this known during a One Day Training of Trainers on Food Hygiene in collaboration with Rholuck Services Nigeria Limited, at the Prof Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Minnie Oseji said food though a fundamental part of human’s lives, provides sustenance and energy is a potential source of harm if not handled and prepared with care.
He said the training was essential in educating the participants on devastating consequences that comes with food borne illnesses, adding that it can cause widespread suffering and even death.
The training according to him was also designed to train the ministry accredited consultants to carry out training on food hygiene for all food handlers in hotels and eaterings across the state.
Speaking on the relevance of the training, he said it can lead to significant economic losses, including healthcare costs, lost productivity and damage to businesses, adding that by learning about food safety and hygiene, they can protect themselves and their loved ones from these risks.
He urged them to implement good practices, by ensuring that the food they consume was safe, nutritious and free from harmful contaminants.
On her part, the Director Sanitation and Waste Management, Mrs. Francisca Atigan spoke on the need for Government Agencies to be intentional about the health and hygiene of the people.
According to her the training will teach and equip food handlers in various hotels and food businesses within the state on safety food hygiene.
She also said the Ministry of Environment will be embarking on training of Staff and personnel every six months that will educate the public on good food hygiene to reduce food disease to the population.
Delivering a lecture on Food Safety Standards and Ministries/Agencies on that are Responsible For Food Safety in Nigeria, the Lead Consultant of the Rholuck Services Nigeria Limited and an Occupational, Health and Safety Environmental Specialist, Dr. Lucky Oderhowho taught the participants on food safety hazards and how to prevent it.
He also highlighted some basic improper food storage practices.
Highlight of the event was presenting of certificates to qualified trainees and their Organization, through the Delta State Tourism Board, showing the list of approved food handlers by Ministry of Environment.
The event had the Director Climate Change, Mrs. Vivian Briggs; Rholuck Lead Consultant, Dr. Lucky Oderhowho and staff of the Ministry in attendance.
