Policy Brief: Enhancing Food Safety in Cross River State: Challenges and Recommendations
DOWNLOADDecember 4, 2024 - Professor Obadina Adewale, Professor Lenis Saweda O. Liverpool-Tasie, Ms. Itohan Ebunoluwa Martins
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EmailThe policy brief examines food safety challenges in Cross River State's wholesale markets for tomatoes, green leafy vegetables (GLVs), and fish. Based on studies conducted from July 2023 to February 2024 by the RSM2SNF project, the findings reveal critical gaps in infrastructure, hygiene practices, and public awareness that pose significant risks to food safety and public health.
Key Findings:
- Inadequate Sanitation: Only 32% of markets have functional toilets, with over 900 traders per toilet, leading to unhygienic practices such as open defecation.
- Water Access: No markets have pipe-borne water; 62% rely on streams or other untreated sources, increasing contamination risks.
- Waste Disposal: Poorly managed waste contributes to the spread of pathogens like Salmonella and Vibrio cholerae.
- Low Awareness: Only 2% of markets display food safety posters, and food safety education for traders is almost nonexistent.
Recommendations:
- Infrastructure: Increase toilets, boreholes, and water treatment facilities.
- Education: Launch statewide food safety training for traders and consumers.
- Policy Integration: Include food safety topics in school curricula.
- Monitoring: Empower Environmental Health Officers to enforce hygiene standards.
- Collaboration: Foster public-private partnerships and improve government coordination.
- Research: Invest in innovative food safety technologies and collaborative research.
Conclusion:
Addressing these challenges can significantly reduce foodborne illnesses, protect public health, and boost the economic vitality of Cross River State’s food sector. The authors call for a unified response from stakeholders to implement these recommendations effectively.
