By Blessing Odega

Dr Nicholas Baamlong, Plateau Commissioner for Health, says the state government has partnered with Heifer International to set up a large cold room for safer food storage and reduce contamination.

Baamlong said this on Friday in Jos when the State Ministry of Health commemorated the 2025 World Food Safety Day with the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action”.

According to him, the cold room facility located at the Farin Gada Market will enable traders to preserve their agricultural produce from bacterial, fungal and parasitic infestation.

The commissioner described the feat as remarkable, as it would help in ensuring food safety amongst Plateau citizens.

“The cold room plays a crucial role in minimising food poisoning by slowing down the growth of harmful bacteria by maintaining food at safe temperatures.

“It significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses as it prevents the multiplication of harmful bacteria that can lead to food poisoning,” he stated.

Baamlong added that the safety of food depended upon the application of good practices and good communication along the food chain from production to consumption.

The commissioner said that the theme for the 2025 World Food Safety Day was apt, as science helped in the management and mitigation of the risk microorganisms posed to humans through the food.

He said that food safety was a collective right and responsibility that entailed everyone keeping food safe and fit for consumption.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ministry carried out a sensitisation walk to create awareness on the importance of keeping food safe.

NAN further reports that World Food Safety Day is observed globally on June 7 annually. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine