LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Health experts have warned that preventable foodborne diseases such as salmonellosis, cholera and E. coli infections continue to threaten lives, increase hospitalizations and cause death across the country.
The warning comes as the world marks World Food Safety Day 2026, themed “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere.”
The global event, established by the United Nations and led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), seeks to raise awareness about food safety risks and practical solutions.
According to WHO estimates cited by seasoned journalist Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, foodborne diseases affect about 600 million people globally each year and cause 420,000 deaths, with children under five carrying a significant share of the burden.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, Public Health Physician, Dr Ifeoluwa Odedina, identified salmonellosis, acute gastroenteritis caused by E. coli and cholera as the leading foodborne diseases affecting residents of Oyo State.
“Salmonellosis, acute gastroenteritis from E. coli, and cholera are the three foodborne illnesses causing the greatest burden in Oyo State,” he said.
Odedina explained that contaminated water, poorly handled street foods, undercooked meat, eggs, poultry products and food exposed to flies remain major sources of infection.
He stressed that many households overlook basic food safety practices, including separating raw and cooked foods, cooking meals thoroughly and storing food at safe temperatures.
“Refrigerate food within two hours of cooking, earlier if weather is hot, and divide large pots into smaller containers before cooling,” he advised.
The physician also warned against cross-contamination, noting that using the same utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods can spread harmful bacteria.
He urged Nigerians to reheat leftovers until they are steaming hot and avoid eating foods with unusual smells, colours or expired dates.
READ ALSO: Over 8,500 Nigerians Flee To Neighbouring Countries Amid Rising Insecurity
Beyond immediate illness, Odedina highlighted the long-term dangers of aflatoxin contamination and pesticide exposure, saying both have been linked to cancer and can worsen the effects of chronic Hepatitis B.
Meanwhile, Health Economist Mrs Chinedum Agomuo said unsafe food is not only a health issue but also an economic threat.
According to her, foodborne diseases reduce productivity, increase healthcare costs and place financial pressure on families and businesses.
“When workers fall ill from contaminated food, the immediate fallout includes absenteeism, decreased operational capacity, and a substantial loss of labor productivity,” Agomuo said.
She added that outbreaks can damage consumer confidence, disrupt supply chains and force businesses to shut down, especially small enterprises.
Also speaking, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) South-West Zonal Director, Dr Isaac Kolawole, called for science-driven food regulation and stronger monitoring of food products across the country.
“Solution is changing the challenges of unsafe food into creativity,” he said.
Kolawole revealed that NAFDAC is intensifying inspections, targeting unregistered products and tackling the growing challenge of unverified online food vendors.
He urged consumers to check packaging, verify NAFDAC registration numbers and avoid products without traceable manufacturers.
“The standard way is that it must be NAFDAC Reg. No. Labels that read only ‘NAFDAC’ plus a number or ‘NAFDAC number’ without ‘Reg,’ indicate suspected fake products,” he explained.
The experts agreed that achieving safer food requires a shared commitment from farmers, food vendors, regulators and consumers alike.
They urged Nigerians to embrace safe food practices at home, buy from hygienic vendors and report suspected food poisoning incidents to health authorities.
