The Oyo State Government has banned the use of styrofoam for food storage and other related purposes.
Styrofoam packs popularly known as ‘take-away’ packs are widely used in Nigeria for packaging food supplies in canteens and during occasions. The popular use of these take away packs is based on their affordable rates. However, these packs have been reported to be unhealthy and unfit for packaging food supplies due to the harmful chemicals used in its production. Based on this, stakeholders have since called for the ban of these food packs.
In a report given by punch, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health announced on Monday during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum, which held at the conference room of the ministry, in Agodi, the ban of these styrofoam, he also mentioned that the state government has inaugurated the Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force to monitor compliance with the ban.
The purpose of this is to promote food safety and prevent food poisoning caused by harmful chemicals used in the production of these storage packs. The minister and other stakeholders is of the opinion that the prevention of food poisoning is more inexpensive than the cure of food poisoning.
Therefore, the ban of these packs is applauded by stakeholders and health practitioners who recognises the importance of food safety. However, the ban of these packs greatly affects retailers and wholesalers who have built a business on selling these now-condemned packs.
Public opinion have also expressed support for the ban, some even said that they have been expecting the ban since the Lagos state government made a similar ban on January 21st.
Despite the constraint, the ban will likely place on food canteens owners and users of the takeaway packs along with retailers and wholesalers who still have stock of these packs. The health and livelihood of members of the public is considered of more importance as to defend one’s health is to defend one’s life.
