Health officers clampdown on food vendors

Environmental Health Officer of Nigeria (EHOAN) has begun the clampdown on unhygienic food vendors in Lagos.

Akin Akingbehin, chairman, Lagos State of EHOAN said the action was in furtherance of the zero tolerance campaign against food sellers operating in open places in the commercial city.

“What is of utmost importance to us is the control of sales of food at open places. We are embarking on total clampdown on unhygienic display of food for public consumption. By this exercise, we are trying to prevent food-borne diseases, taking note of the fact that food is a veritable vehicle by which a range of illnesses which affect man are spread.

“The concern, therefore, is to take our safe campaign to places where food are being grown, transported, stored, handled, processed, prepared and also served. This will assist to ascertain their hygienic standard, not leaving out the food handlers themselves,’’ he said.

Akingbehin added that the exercise also entails clearing all accumulated refuse around drains and waterways and concentration of attention on unauthorised places, like road verges, top of drains, parks and garages and under bridges. The exercise started at Obafemi Awolowo Way and Computer Village, both in Ikeja.

Akingbehin urged the residents of the state to stop patronising roadside food vendors, and eat at appropriate food canteens or restaurants to avoid diseases.

“People should also stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains. We also call on house owners to provide toilets for their tenants at business premises. This will help to forestall indiscriminate open defecation,’’ he said.