Oyo bans use of Styrofoam

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The Oyo State Government has placed a ban on the use of styrofoam for food services, storage, and other related purposes.

The state Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, made this announcement on Monday during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum and the inauguration of the Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force.

The Task Force is to oversee the enforcement of food safety rules and regulations in Oyo State.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Akintunde Ayinde, Ajetunmobi said, “Prevention is better and cheaper than cure; hence the need for people to adhere strictly to food standards to save lives in the state.

“The menace of food poisoning, indiscriminate use of chemical products for food production, processing, packaging, and other sharp practices being carried out by food business operators have become great public health concerns in the state.

“The directorate of Food, Water, and Laboratory Services is saddled with the responsibility to regulate food business operations to ensure the presentation of wholesome edibles for public consumption in the state, planned to double her efforts to monitor/inspect food business premises in the state.

“Consequently, the use of Styrofoam for food services, storage, and other related usage in the state is also banned.”

In January, the Lagos State Government kickstarted the ban on the use and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the state. Abia state government also joined Lagos in banning the items.