Oyo State Government Bans Use of Styrofoam and Implements Food Safety Measures

The Oyo State Government has officially banned the use of styrofoam for food services, storage, and related purposes in the state. This decision comes after the state House of Assembly urged the government to take action on February 8, 2024. In response, the government inaugurated the Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force to ensure the enforcement of food safety rules and regulations in the state.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum and the inauguration of the task force held at the ministry’s conference room in Ibadan, the state capital. Ajetunmobi emphasized the importance of upholding food safety standards to prevent food poisoning and other health risks associated with the indiscriminate use of chemical products in food production.

As part of the ban, the use of styrofoam for food services, storage, and related purposes in the state is prohibited. The task force will also focus on sensitizing food business operators on the importance of implementing food safety standards. The director of food, water, and laboratory services in the ministry, Afusat Akande, outlined the basic requirements that food business operators must meet to be certified, including routine medical fitness certificates and evidence of regular fumigation of production premises.

The permanent secretary, Akintunde Ayinde, who leads the task force, assured the ministry of his commitment to achieving its objectives. The task force comprises members from various organizations, including the state Food Safety Management Committee, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Association of Table Water Producers.

This initiative aligns with efforts to promote food safety and environmental conservation. In January, the Lagos State Government initiated a similar ban on the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the state.