World Food Safety Day 2026: SoTLAN Calls for Stronger Science-Based Measures to Safeguard Nigerians

The Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SoTLAN) has called for stronger science-driven food safety interventions, stricter regulatory compliance, and increased investment in laboratory systems to tackle the persistent burden of foodborne diseases in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its President, Mr. Bolawa Gbolahan, to mark World Food Safety Day 2026, the Society said that unsafe food continues to pose a significant public health and economic challenge, affecting millions of Nigerians annually through microbial contamination, poor food handling practices, chemical adulteration, and weak adherence to food safety standards.

According to the Society, this year’s observance provides an opportunity to move beyond awareness campaigns and focus on practical, evidence-based solutions that can protect public health, strengthen food systems, and boost consumer confidence across the country.

SoTLAN noted that food contamination risks occur at multiple stages of the food value chain, including agricultural production, processing, transportation, storage, retail distribution, and household consumption. 

It stressed that addressing these risks requires coordinated action among regulators, food producers, laboratory professionals, vendors, policymakers, and consumers.

The Society expressed concern over the continued presence of aflatoxins in staple foods such as maize, groundnuts, and other agricultural commodities. It warned that these naturally occurring toxins have been linked to chronic health conditions, including liver disease and impaired growth in children, while also reducing agricultural productivity and limiting export opportunities.

Gbolahan also raised concerns about the misuse of hazardous chemicals in food preservation and storage, as well as the illegal application of pesticides and other harmful substances in food handling. He said such practices pose serious health risks to consumers and undermine national food safety efforts.

The Society further emphasized the need to integrate small-scale food vendors, roadside food operators, and micro-caterers into Nigeria’s food safety framework, noting that they serve millions of Nigerians daily and are critical stakeholders in achieving safer food outcomes nationwide.

Among the measures recommended by SoTLAN are sourcing ingredients from reputable suppliers, maintaining proper hygiene standards, ensuring access to clean water, conducting routine medical screenings for food handlers, and participating in compliance programmes organized by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Speaking on the role of science in food safety management, Gbolahan said food safety must remain a national priority because of its direct impact on public health, economic growth, and consumer confidence.

“Food safety is not merely a regulatory obligation. It is a public health imperative, an economic necessity, and a national development priority. As Public Analysts and laboratory professionals, we stand at the frontline of protecting consumers through scientific evidence, accurate testing, and professional integrity,” he said.

He explained that Public Analysts, who are licensed professionals under the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), provide critical scientific evidence for regulatory decisions, food safety investigations, product certification, export validation, and enforcement actions.

According to him, laboratory professionals play a crucial role in detecting aflatoxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, adulterants, and other contaminants that threaten food quality and public health. 

Through laboratory testing and analytical verification, they help identify contaminants, detect food fraud, monitor compliance, and support consumer protection initiatives.

The Society maintained that improving laboratory infrastructure and strengthening the capacity of Public Analysts would enhance consumer confidence, facilitate regulatory compliance, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international agricultural markets.

SoTLAN also highlighted its partnership with IPAN in advancing national food safety objectives. While IPAN serves as the statutory professional body responsible for regulating and licensing Public Analysts, 

SoTLAN functions as a professional association promoting quality assurance, laboratory best practices, professional development, and evidence-based solutions to national challenges.

As the world commemorates World Food Safety Day 2026, the Society reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe food, protect consumers, and strengthen Nigeria’s food safety system through science, professionalism, and effective regulation.

The Society called on government agencies, industry stakeholders, development partners, food business operators, and consumers to work together in translating scientific knowledge into practical actions that ensure safe food for all Nigerians.

World Food Safety Day is observed annually on June 7 to raise awareness and inspire action aimed at preventing, detecting, and managing foodborne risks. The global observance is coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.