The federal government says about 200,000 Nigerians, many of them children, die annually from food-related diseases.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, revealed this on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of a food safety manual for vendors and food operators.
Citing WHO figures, he noted that Africa has the highest rate of foodborne illnesses globally, and Nigeria loses about $3.6 billion yearly to medical costs, productivity losses, and trade issues.
He condemned unsafe food practices like using paracetamol to soften meat and adding industrial dyes to red oil and pepper, warning that these are criminal offences under Nigerian law.
“This manual gives food safety officers a clear guide to protect Nigerians, especially in markets and street food areas,” he said.
Coordinating Health Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said one in five hospital admissions in cities are linked to food-related diseases, calling the manual a crucial step toward better public health.
