By Lydia Legbo/Abdullahi Danbaka
The link between healthy foods and longevity was underscored on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the 17th Annual Conference and Workshop hosted by the Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria (MSN) in collaboration with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety (ACEMFS), held at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT, Minna). The event, themed “ Emerging Solutions to Mycotoxin and Food Safety Challenges: The role of Artificial Intelligence “, which is empowering Farmers and Stakeholders on Food Safety: Practical Approaches to Mycotoxin Awareness and Mitigation, gathered farmers, stakeholders, and experts to discuss effective food safety measures and strategies for reducing mycotoxins in the food supply.
Prof. Hussaini Anthony Makun, ACEMFS Centre Leader, highlighted the importance of food choices in maintaining health and increasing life expectancy. He emphasized that individuals must be careful about the foods they consume and suggested solutions like healthy seedlings, crop rotation, and proper storage to reduce mycotoxin risks. Prof. Makun also advocated for collaborative efforts among government, private sectors, and individuals to strengthen food safety protocols, including checkpoints equipped with testing kits to ensure consumable safety.
In her address, MSN National President, Prof. Yemisi Adefunke Jeff-Agboola, highlighted the role of soil management, including pre-planting soil checks, in ensuring toxic-free crops. She urged legislative support to expedite the food safety bill, which would empower regulatory agencies to better enforce food safety standards. Prof. Jeff-Agboola also identified documentation issues as a significant obstacle to achieving safe food, stressing the need for collective action.
Key stakeholders present included the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and local agricultural groups, including the Soya Beans Farmers Association, who discussed practical approaches for improving food safety to support both economic growth and public health.
The conference will continue with discussions on “Emerging Solutions to Mycotoxin and Food Safety Challenges: the Role of Artificial Intelligence,” exploring innovative strategies for safer food systems.
Photo credit:
Elijah Yisa
