On Monday, the Oyo State Government took a decisive step by prohibiting the use of styrofoam for food services, storage, and related purposes, aligning with a recommendation from the state House of Assembly made on February 8, 2024.

To enforce this ban effectively, the government inaugurated the Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum held at the ministry's conference room in the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

During the forum, the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, emphasized the importance of upholding food safety standards as a preventive measure against health hazards. Represented by the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Akintunde Ayinde, Ajetunmobi underscored the urgency to combat food poisoning and other unsafe practices prevalent among food business operators in the state.

Addressing the audience, Ajetunmobi stated, "Prevention is better and cheaper than cure," emphasizing the need for strict adherence to food standards to safeguard lives. She announced the ban on styrofoam usage for food-related activities as part of the government's commitment to ensuring public health.

The newly formed task force is tasked with sensitizing stakeholders along the food chain about the significance of adhering to food safety standards set by the government. Afusat Akande, the director of food, water, and laboratory services, outlined the prerequisites for certification along the food chain, including routine medical fitness certificates and regular fumigation of production premises.

The Permanent Secretary, Ayinde, assured collaboration with the ministry to accomplish its objectives, leading the task force. Comprising members from various organizations, including the state Food Safety Management Committee, the Nigeria Police Force, and associations representing table water producers and canteen workers, the task force is poised to enforce the ban effectively.

This move by the Oyo State Government echoes a similar initiative undertaken by the Lagos State Government in January, which initiated a ban on styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the state. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this announcement, further highlighting the government's commitment to environmental sustainability and public health.