Abstract
This review article focuses on the safety of street-vended foods (SVFs) in Nigeria, a cultural phenomenon that has become a major source of income and nutrition for many, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite their popularity, SVFs have been associated with unsanitary practices and public health risks due to inadequate monitoring by government agencies and limited coverage in the National food safety policy documents. In this review, we examine the challenges faced by SVFs in Nigeria and recommend better collaboration between food safety stakeholders and the government to address these issues. We also suggest the passage of the Food Safety and Quality Bill (FSQB) as a solution to the gaps in the regulation of street foods and institutional reform of food safety management through the establishment of a National Food Safety Commission. By implementing these recommendations, we can ensure the safety of street-vended foods in Nigeria.
Disclosure statement
We declare that we do not have any competing interest in publishing this manuscript.
Authors’ contributions
IMM developed the concept for this review. IMM, HA, EIN, CEO, IOO & ADO wrote the first draft of the manuscript. HO, ON, PT, and OAO proofread and edited the language. IMM revised the manuscript based on feedback from HO and OAO. OH supervised the project and critically revised the final manuscript. All authors contributed to the manuscript and approved the submitted version.
Abbreviations
SVFs: Street Vended Foods; SFVs: Street Food Vendors; IMCFS: Inter-Ministerial Committee on Food Safety; NFSMC: National Food Safety Management Committee; NPFSIS: National Policy on Food Safety & Implementation Strategy; NPFS: National Policy on Food Safety; FSQB: Food Safety & Quality Bill; FMoH: Federal Ministry of Health; FMITI: Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment; FMA&RD: Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development; FMST: Federal Ministry of Science & Technology; FMOE: Federal Ministry of Environment; MDAs: Ministries, Departments & Agencies; LGAs: Local Government Authorities; LGACs: Local Government Area Councils; NAFDAC: National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Council; NPHCDA: National Primary Health Care Development Agency; SON: Standard Organization of Nigeria; CCP: Codex Contact Point; NCC: National Codex Committee; CPC: Consumer Protection Council; NPQS: Nigeria Plant Quarantine Service; NBMA: National Biosafety Management Agency; NABDA: National Biotechnology Development Agency; NASC: National Agricultural Seeds Council; FBD: Food Borne Disease
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Notes on contributors
Ifeanyi Michael Mazi
Ifeanyi Michael Mazi is a Microbiologist passionate about food safety and quality.
Helen Onyeaka
Dr. Helen Onyeaka is an associate professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, UK, with over 25 years’ experience.
Hope Akegbe
Hope Akegbe is a Microbiologist pursuing a PhD in Bioengineering.
Esther Ibe Njoagwuani
Esther Ibe Njoagwuani advocates for public health and food security.
Chidinma Ezinne Ochulor
Chidinma Ezinne Ochulor is a Certified Food Scientist with over 5 years’ experience.
Iyiola Olatunji Oladunjoye
Iyiola Oladunjoye is a One Health professional with expertise in global health challenges.
Adeola Dolapo Omotosho
Adeola Dolapo Omotosho is a Microbiologist with an MSc in Genetics.
Ogueri Nwaiwu
Dr. Ogueri Nwaiwu is a PCQI for human food safety.
Phemelo Tamasiga
Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga is a mathematical economist with experience in fintech.
Olumide A. Odeyemi
Dr. Olumide Odeyemi is a multidisciplinary research scientist focusing on food spoilage mechanisms and quality improvement.