NAFDAC Director General Urges Food Scientists to Prioritize Safety and Quality at NIFST AGM

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, delivered a compelling address at the 50th Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) in Lagos, urging food scientists to prioritize safety and quality in their products. Prof. Adeyeye highlighted that the role of food scientists is crucial in safeguarding public health, stating that the quality of food directly impacts the well-being of consumers.

In her goodwill message, the NAFDAC chief commended NIFST for its 50 years of impactful contributions to professional development and sustainable research in food science. She remarked, "I congratulate the institute on 50 years of impact, professional development, and sustainable research that promotes safe nutrition and sustainable economic growth. You must be agents of change for products that are safe for consumption. We must improve the food system in Nigeria."

Prof. Adeyeye reiterated the critical nature of food safety and quality, asserting that innovation must go hand in hand with public health protection. She urged food scientists to develop new products with a focus on safety and to address the alarming issue of food waste, which she noted affects over 40 percent of food items produced in Nigeria. "Collaborate with others to achieve prevention of food waste. Stop working in silos. Our laboratories are available for you to use in your research efforts," she encouraged.

Dr. Bola Osinowo, President of NIFST, expressed pride in the institute's growth from its humble beginnings with just five members in 1976 at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi. He acknowledged the significant platform that NIFST has become for promoting food safety, reflecting on the journey and efforts made over the years to enhance the food industry.