The recent revelation by the Federal Government of Nigeria that over 53,000 people die and nearly 50 million fall ill annually due to unsafe food has brought the critical issue of food safety to the forefront. This alarming statistic, shared by Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, during a press briefing, underscores the urgent need for action. While the focus has traditionally been on microbial contamination and foodborne diseases, it's time to broaden our perspective and recognize the role of unhealthy diets in driving non-communicable diseases. Personally, I think this is a crucial turning point for Nigeria, as it highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to food safety that goes beyond preventing infections. What makes this particularly fascinating is the interplay between food safety and public health, socioeconomic development, and individual well-being. In my opinion, the true cost of unsafe food extends far beyond the immediate impact of sickness and death. It's about the loss of human capital, particularly among children, and the long-term implications for the country's health and economy. One thing that immediately stands out is the staggering number of years of healthy life lost due to foodborne diseases. Nigeria loses an estimated 4.26 million years of healthy life annually, which is a stark reminder of the profound impact of food safety on the population's overall health. What many people don't realize is that food safety is not just about preventing food poisoning; it's also about ensuring that the food we eat does not contribute to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. From my perspective, the recent estimates by the World Health Organisation, showing that unsafe food causes about 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths globally each year, further emphasizes the global significance of this issue. The fact that Africa bears the highest per-capita burden is particularly concerning, as it underscores the need for targeted interventions in the region. The director-general of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, rightly points out that food safety is a public health, socioeconomic, and development imperative. Behind every statistic on foodborne disease is a child, a family, a community, or a business affected by preventable illness and loss. This raises a deeper question: how can we, as a society, better protect our most vulnerable populations from the consequences of unsafe food? The answer lies in stronger collaboration among government agencies, industry players, researchers, development partners, and consumers. We need evidence-based policies, effective regulation, responsible industry practices, and sustained public awareness to address the challenge. The good news is that Nigeria has made notable progress in building a stronger food safety system. The country's 2023 Joint External Evaluation recorded measurable improvements across all food safety indicators, and Nigeria's 2025 State Party Annual Report score surpassed the World Health Organisation target for low- and middle-income countries. This progress is a testament to the country's commitment to food safety and public health. However, the latest figures should serve as a wake-up call. We must intensify surveillance for heavy metals and chemical contaminants, improve food safety practices in traditional and informal markets, strengthen hygiene, water, and sanitation infrastructure, and ensure food business operators comply with national standards. The theme for the 2026 World Food Safety Day, 'From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere', is a powerful reminder of the need for action. It's not just about preventing food poisoning; it's about ensuring that the foods and drinks available to Nigerians do not slowly undermine their health and well-being. In conclusion, the issue of food safety in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted. It's about the loss of human capital, the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, and the need for a comprehensive approach that goes beyond preventing infections. As we move forward, we must intensify our efforts to strengthen food safety systems, promote healthier food choices, and protect the most vulnerable populations from the consequences of unsafe food. Only then can we truly 'From Burden to Solutions' and ensure 'Safe Food Everywhere'.
