In the midst of challenging times in Nigeria, the recent caution from Prof. Moji Adeyeye, Chairman of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), against storing food in refrigerators for more than three days has sparked significant debate. The rationale behind this advisory stems from the potential for harmful bacterial growth in refrigerated food, which, if consumed, could lead to severe illnesses or even fatalities due to foodborne diseases.
NAFDAC emphasizes the importance of safe food handling practices and timely consumption to mitigate health risks. While the agency’s intentions seem noble, the practical implications of this advice, especially for families during these critical times, warrant careful consideration.
Imagine a scenario where a family of five spends approximately N40,000 preparing large quantities of soup and stew intended to last for several days. The advice, no doubt, imposes a considerable financial burden, highlighting a seeming disconnect between regulatory advice and the economic realities faced by many Nigerians. This disparity has led some to criticize Nigerian leadership as being out of touch with the everyday challenges and struggles of ordinary citizens, perpetuating the perception of insensitivity and even sadism among those in power.
Moreover, adherence to such advice could potentially exacerbate poverty by failing to acknowledge the financial strain of constantly preparing fresh meals or reheating food, which can diminish in taste and quality over time.
While the imperative of promoting food safety is acknowledged, the practicality and potential adverse effects of NAFDAC’s recommendation on the lives of everyday Nigerians remain uncertain and potentially detrimental. Effective communication plays a crucial role in public education and awareness campaigns. Poorly conveyed messages, like this one from NAFDAC, risk alienating the populace and inadvertently causing more harm than good.
NAFDAC’s advisory appears commendable on the surface, aiming to safeguard public health by cautioning against prolonged food storage in refrigerators, which can foster bacterial growth and pose health risks. However, a glaring omission in this directive is guidance on the proper reheating of refrigerated food to ensure any potential pathogens are effectively neutralized. Food technology experts recommend reheating to a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate bacteria that may have proliferated during storage, thereby mitigating health risks associated with consuming refrigerated leftovers.
Despite facing formidable socio-economic challenges, Nigerians have exhibited remarkable resilience, as evidenced by their standing as the 102nd happiest nation globally in 2024 (down from 95th in 2023). This resilience underscores their ability to endure and persevere through adversity. Consequently, any directive or policy that could exacerbate existing socio-economic hardships must be approached with caution, as it risks further deteriorating the welfare of the Nigerian populace.
The psychological impact of such advisories should also be considered. Traditionally, Nigerians have stored food in refrigerators for extended periods without adverse effects, making the sudden shift in advice a potential source of psychological distress. The unfamiliarity of discarding food prematurely due to health concerns could disrupt established practices and routines, leading to unnecessary anxiety and discomfort among the populace.
Instead of focusing primarily on advice that may not significantly improve public health outcomes in the current context, NAFDAC could redirect its efforts towards more pressing issues. This includes intensifying efforts to combat the repackaging of substandard rice in foreign packaging, often with incorrect weights, which shortchanges Nigerian consumers. Additionally, regulating pharmaceutical companies, table water manufacturers, and other sectors inundating the market with potentially hazardous products should be prioritized.
In conclusion, while NAFDAC’s intentions to safeguard public health are commendable, the practicality and broader implications of its recent advisory on food storage merit critical examination. Effective communication, empathy for the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians, and a balanced approach to public health directives are essential for fostering trust and compliance among the populace. By addressing these considerations, NAFDAC can better serve the interests and well-being of the Nigerian people in these trying times.
Odaro is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi