Health

420,000 die annually of contaminated food, 600 million fall ill – Minister

Published

4 years ago

June 9, 2022

Dr. Osagie Ehanire

Health Minister, Dr Osagie Ehanire, has said that every year, nearly one in every ten people in the world, an estimated 600 million people fall ill and 420,000 others die after eating food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances such as heavy metals.

Ehanire disclosed this during an event to mark 2022 World Food Safety Day, adding, over 200 diseases are caused by eating contaminated food.

According to him, food, if not safe, is not food. Food is a health product and the first component of basic health care delivery. The slogan for World Food Safety Day is “Food Safety is Every One’s Business and is a reminder that we all play a role in keeping food safe. This calls for prioritization of food safety throughout the d supply chain, from farm to table.”

He also said, “Children under the age of five are at higher risk of malnutrition and mortality due to unsafe food and they carry 40% of food borne disease burden. Unsafe food causes one in six deaths from diarrhea, a major killer in this age group. World Food Safety Day is a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of unsafe food with governments, producers, handlers and consumers having a role to play in making food safe.”

The Minister noted that unsafe food hinted that World Food Safety Day is a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of unsafe food with governments, producers, handlers and consumers having a role to play in making food safe.

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“Unsafe food hinders development especially on low- and middle-income economies, which lose around US$ 95 billion in productivity associated with illness, disability, and premature death suffered by workers (farmers, processors, handlers and marketers and consumers).

“This is standing in accord with World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the National Food Safety Management Committee (NFSMC) and the global Food Safety Community with the aim to draw attention and inspire action that prevents, detect and manage food borne risks that guarantee safer food for better health.

“In line with this year’s theme “Safer food, better health” emphasizes that all are consumers and food safety counts first for better health. Safe food is essential to human health and well-being. Only when food is safe can we fully benefit from its nutritional value and from the mental and social benefits of sharing a safe meal.

“Safe food is one of the most critical guarantors for good health. Unsafe foods are the cause of many diseases and contribute to other poor health conditions, such as impaired growth and development.

“The good news is that most food borne diseases are preventable. Our behaviour, the way we build food systems and how we organize food supply chains can prevent infectious and toxic hazards, microbial pathogens (bacteria, viruses and parasites), chemical residues, biotoxins and other noxious or dangerous substances from getting into our plates. We need to transform food systems to deliver better health, and we need to do so in a sustainable manner.

“Food systems policy-makers, practitioners and investors should reorient their activities to increase the sustainable production and consumption of safe foods in order to improve health outcomes, to make safe and healthy diets”, he stated.

PILOT

Related Topics:bacteria contaminated food WFSD

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Health

Lassa Fever Deaths in Nigeria Rise to 51 After 15 Killed in Early February – NCDC

Published

15 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Lassa Fever Deaths in Nigeria Rise to 51 After 15 Killed in Early February – NCDC

Nigeria is facing a rising Lassa fever outbreak in 2026, with 15 deaths recorded in the first week of February, pushing the total fatalities from confirmed cases to 51 between the first and sixth epidemiological weeks, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported. This reflects the continued severity of the viral haemorrhagic disease. The 15 deaths reported between February 2 and 8 translate to a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 21.3 per cent, higher than the 19.4 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025, despite a decline in overall suspected cases compared to last year.

Two healthcare workers were also infected in week six of the outbreak, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by frontline responders. Cumulative data for 2026 show 1,034 suspected cases, 240 confirmed cases, and four probable cases, spread across 10 states and 42 Local Government Areas (LGAs). For comparison, during the same period in 2025, Nigeria recorded 1,913 suspected cases, 413 confirmed infections, and 80 deaths across 11 states and 63 LGAs, showing a reduction in suspected cases but persistence of high fatality rates.

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In the latest reporting week alone, 15 deaths occurred from 74 confirmed infections out of 271 suspected cases, resulting in a weekly CFR of 20.3 per cent. Confirmed cases increased from 44 in epidemiological week 5 to 74 in week 6, indicating a week-on-week rise in infections. The new confirmed cases were reported across eight states — Taraba, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Ebonyi — affecting 24 LGAs.

Data analysis shows that 89 per cent of confirmed infections in 2026 are concentrated in four high-burden states: Bauchi (38%), Taraba (22%), Ondo (20%), and Edo (9%), while the remaining 11 per cent of cases were reported from six other states. The outbreak predominantly affects people aged 21 to 30 years, although cases range from 1 to 74 years, with a median age of 29 years. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stands at approximately 1:0.7.

To manage the outbreak, the NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate surveillance, case management, laboratory support, and risk communication across affected states. The agency has urged citizens to adopt preventive measures such as improving sanitation and hygiene, practicing rodent control, ensuring early presentation of suspected cases at health facilities, and cooperating with public health authorities. The NCDC emphasised that timely intervention, early treatment with Ribavirin, and community awareness are critical to reducing fatalities and containing the outbreak.

Lassa Fever Deaths in Nigeria Rise to 51 After 15 Killed in Early February – NCDC

Health

Ramadan Health Tips: Six Ways to Stay Hydrated While Fasting

Published

3 days ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Ramadan Health Tips: Six Ways to Stay Hydrated While Fasting

Staying hydrated during Ramadan is essential for maintaining energy, focus, and overall well-being while observing long hours of fasting. Health experts warn that poor hydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and reduced concentration. Below are six essential, numbered tips to help you stay properly hydrated throughout the holy month:

1. Drink Enough Water Between Iftar and Suhoor
Ensure you consume 6–8 glasses of water between Iftar and Suhoor. Spread your intake gradually instead of drinking large amounts at once, allowing your body to absorb fluids effectively.

2. Break Your Fast With Water
Start Iftar with water to quickly replace fluids lost during the day and prepare your digestive system for food. Avoid sugary or carbonated drinks at this stage, as they can increase thirst later.

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3. Eat Water-Rich Foods
Include fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and soups. These foods support hydration while providing essential nutrients.

4. Reduce Salty, Spicy, and Fried Foods
Limit foods high in salt, oil, and spices, especially at Suhoor, as they increase thirst and can cause dehydration during fasting hours.

5. Limit Caffeine Intake
Reduce consumption of coffee, tea, and energy drinks, as caffeine has a diuretic effect that causes the body to lose more fluids. If taken, balance it with extra water.

6. Never Skip Suhoor
Suhoor plays a crucial role in hydration and energy. Eat a balanced pre-dawn meal that includes water, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein to help sustain you throughout the day.

Maintaining proper hydration during Ramadan fasting helps support digestion, boosts energy levels, and keeps the body functioning optimally throughout the holy month.

Ramadan Health Tips: Six Ways to Stay Hydrated While Fasting

Health

NUFBTE Workers Occupy NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

Published

1 week ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

NUFBTE Workers Occupy NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

Members of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) on Thursday staged a protest at the NAFDAC office in Isolo, Lagos, demanding the reversal of the agency’s ban on sachet and PET-bottled alcoholic beverages. The union claims the ban contradicts a directive reportedly issued by the Federal Government, and they want production lines that were sealed to be immediately reopened.

The protesters, including manufacturers, distributors, and industry workers, argued that the enforcement of the ban threatens jobs, livelihoods, and the operations of small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on sachet alcohol sales. During the demonstration, union members handed a petition to NAFDAC officials, urging dialogue and a more balanced approach that safeguards both public health and the food and beverage sector.

NUFBTE cited alleged instructions from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser, claiming that NAFDAC should suspend enforcement. The union said continued closure of production lines and restriction of alcohol sales would lead to economic hardship and widespread job losses.

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However, NAFDAC rejected the claims, with Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye stating that no federal directive has instructed the agency to halt the ban. In a statement, the regulator described circulating reports as “false” and “misleading,” emphasizing that its actions are within statutory authority and in line with official government policies.

“NAFDAC has not received any formal directive to suspend its regulatory or enforcement activities concerning sachet alcohol,” the statement read. The agency reiterated its commitment to public health protection, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety, warning the public and industry stakeholders to rely on verified information from official channels.

The ban, implemented earlier this month, targets alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers smaller than 200ml, a measure aimed at reducing unregulated alcohol consumption and protecting vulnerable groups. While the policy has faced backlash from workers and businesses, NAFDAC maintains that it is necessary for national health and safety.

The protest underscores the tension between regulatory enforcement and economic concerns, as workers continue to call for inclusive policymaking and engagement with industry stakeholders to mitigate the impact on jobs and local businesses.