The Oyo State Government outlawed the use of Styrofoam for food storage and service, on Monday, March 11.
The use of the meal kits known as “Take Away Packs” was outlawed by the Lagos state government back in January. Later, Abia State did likewise.
Subsequently, on Thursday, February 8, 2024, the Oyo State House of Assembly recommended the state government to outlaw the use of Styrofoam in food preparation. In order to supervise the state’s implementation of food safety laws and regulations, it established the Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force.
Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the state Commissioner for Health, announced the prohibition during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum and the inauguration of the task force, which were held in the ministry’s conference room, Secretariat, Agodi, in Ibadan, the state capital.
Read Also: Lagos Bans Usage Of Styrofoam Aka Take Away Packs
Represented by the Permane nt Secretary of the ministry, Akintunde Ayinde, Ajetunmobi said, “Prevention is better and cheaper than cure; hence the need for people to adhere strictly to food standards to save lives in the state.
“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.
“The directorate of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services is saddled with the responsibility to regulate food business operations to ensure the presentation of wholesome edibles for public consumption in the state, planned to double her efforts to monitor/inspect food business premises in the state.
“Consequently, the use of Styrofoam for food services, storage, and other related usage in the state is also banned.”
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Nnamdi Okoli
