Following the recommendation of the state House of Assembly had, on Thursday, February 8, 2024, urging the executive arm to ban the use of styrofoam for food purposes in the state, the Oyo State Government on Monday declared the use of styrofoam for food services, storage, and other related purposes illegal
Therefore, the state government took the bold step of inaugurating the Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force to oversee the enforcement of food safety rules and regulations in the state.
Making the announcement during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum, and the inauguration of the task force, Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi said the decision was part of government efforts to upgrade food safety standards in the state.
“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.”