Food Safety and Regulatory Measures

Biography

Biography: Adeola Olufemi, Oyebanji

Abstract

Agricultural crops and products (plants and animals) are ordinarily prone to microbiological contamination, infection and spoilage, to losses of more than 50% of production for pershables and up to 30% of production of durables. Further, rotting of crops are objectionable and aflatoxin contamination of crop is considered the most serious effect of mouldiness of crop. Reduced value and rejection are the expected implications for contaminated produce because the consumption can means ill health or constitute health risk to man and livestock. The agricultural crops and products are basically grouped as perishables and durables on account of readiness to spoilage and resistance to growth and activities of spoilage microorganisms. Fresh fruits and vegetables, roots and tubers, fish and meats are the perishables by nature and as complimented by limited rural enlightenment and limited access to improved post harvest recommendations and technologies. The cereals and pulses and all "dried" agricultural products as durables by expectation, even under the tropical condition, are challenged by improper or inadequate processing and storage, with risks of contamination, mouldiness and mycotoxin production (especially of aflatoxin) and misuse and abuse of chemical pesticides. Gaps in post harvest practices in Nigeria are being recognized and appropriate solutions in compliance to global standard are being developed and promoted by Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute. Improvements of post harvest practice in Nigeria will benefit from more support for research and development. Particularly, Nigeria's crops and products quality for food security, health, trade and national image would be more positively impacted if education, enlightenment and support for access of rural farmers, processors and traders to improved post harvest facilities are engaged in the recognition their limited resources. Further, large scale agriculture and mechanization would promote adoption of improved post harvest practices and more women and youths would be engaged in Nigeria.