The Oyo State Government has announced a ban on the use of styrofoam for food services, storage, and related purposes.
The directive was issued by the state Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum and the inauguration of the Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force on Monday.
Speaking at the event, Ajetunmobi emphasized the importance of adhering to food standards to safeguard public health and prevent food-related illnesses. He highlighted concerns over the rampant cases of food poisoning and the indiscriminate use of chemical products by food business operators in the state.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Akintunde Ayinde, Ajetunmobi underscored the role of prevention in promoting public health, stating that the ban on styrofoam usage is a proactive measure to address food safety concerns in Oyo State.
The newly inaugurated Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force will be responsible for overseeing the enforcement of food safety regulations across the state. Ajetunmobi stressed the need for heightened monitoring and inspection of food business premises to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
As part of the government’s efforts to regulate food business operations and promote the provision of wholesome edibles for public consumption, the use of styrofoam for food-related purposes has been prohibited in Oyo State.
