Lagos Reaffirms Commitment To Safe Food

Lagos State government has joined the global community to mark the 2026 World Food Safety Day.

In a statement issued by the director-general, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, he reiterated the state government’s commitment to the occasion, observed annually on June 7.

Mojola stated that the commission joined the global community to celebrate the 2026 World Food Safety Day as set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness on the importance of food safety and inspire actions that help prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks.

Highlighting the theme, “From burdens to solutions – safe food everywhere “ he noted that food safety remains a critical public safety, health and economic issue. Safe food is fundamental to healthy lives, sustainable development, consumer confidence, and business growth.

‘’As Africa’s largest mega city in the economy and a major commercial hub, Lagos food system prioritizes hygiene, quality assurance, and safety at every stage of food chain.’’

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to food safety, saying ensuring food safety is a shared responsibility involving government agencies, food manufacturers, processors, distributors, restaurants, hospitality operators, food vendors, and consumers.

‘’Every stakeholder has a role to play in preventing food contamination, foodborne illnesses, and other hazards that threaten public health, safety and wellbeing.

According to him, over the years, the Commission has implemented several initiatives aimed at strengthening food safety standards across Lagos State.

‘’These include regular safety audits and risk assessments of restaurants, eateries, bakeries, supermarkets, shopping malls, hospitality establishments, and other public facilities; monitoring compliance with safety regulations; issuance of safety compliance certifications and enforcement of corrective actions where safety infractions are identified. The Commission’s mandate includes conducting risk assessments and compliance monitoring in food-related establishments across the state,’’ he said.

He maintained that the Commission remains committed to fostering global best practice in safe food culture.

‘’Through its safety capacity building initiative programmes targeted at businesses and the general public, the Commission has continued to promote safety culture through specialized training, sensitization programmes, stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment campaigns for food service operators and industry stakeholders, emphasizing proper food handling practices, hygiene standards, food storage requirements, hazard control measures and consumer safety.

‘’We urge all food business operators to comply with established safety requirements and adopt best practices that protect public health. Together, we can build a safer and healthier Lagos,” he said.