Health
SoTLAN seeks science-based food safety measures, investment in laboratory systems
The Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria has called for stronger science-based interventions, improved regulatory compliance, and increased investment in laboratory systems to address the growing burden of foodborne diseases in the country.
The society stated that unsafe food remains a major public health and economic challenge in Nigeria, with millions of people affected yearly by foodborne illnesses resulting from microbial contamination, poor food handling practices, chemical adulteration, and weak adherence to food safety standards.
In a statement sent to PUNCH Healthwise to commemorate the 2026 World Food Safety Day, the President of SoTLAN, Bolawa Gbolahan, expressed concern over the continued presence of aflatoxins in staple foods such as maize, groundnuts, and other agricultural commodities, warning that the naturally occurring toxins have been linked to chronic health conditions, including liver disease and impaired growth in children.
He explained that aflatoxins, which are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain moulds, commonly contaminate crops during production, storage and processing, especially under poor handling conditions.
“According to SoTLAN, unsafe food remains a significant public health and economic challenge in Nigeria. Foodborne illnesses continue to affect millions of people annually through microbial contamination, poor food handling practices, chemical adulteration, and weak compliance with established food safety standards.
“Particularly worrisome is the continued presence of aflatoxins in staple food products such as maize, groundnuts, and other agricultural commodities. These naturally occurring toxins have been linked to chronic health conditions, including liver disease and impaired growth in children, while also contributing to losses in agricultural productivity and export opportunities,” he said.
Gbolahan noted that food safety challenges in Nigeria extend beyond aflatoxin contamination to include microbial contamination, poor food handling practices, chemical adulteration and weak compliance with established food safety standards.
He stressed that contamination can occur at multiple points along the food chain, from production and processing to transportation, storage, retail and household consumption.
The SoTLAN president also raised concerns about the misuse of hazardous chemicals in food preservation and storage, describing the practice as a threat to consumer health.
“The illegal application of pesticides and other harmful substances in food handling continues to pose serious risks to consumers and undermines national food safety efforts,” he stated.
He emphasised that ensuring food safety requires collective action from government regulators, food producers, laboratory professionals, food vendors and consumers.
Gbolahan further highlighted the role of Public Analysts in safeguarding public health through scientific testing, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
“Food safety is not merely a regulatory obligation. It is a public health imperative, an economic necessity, and a national development priority.
“As Public Analysts and laboratory professionals, we stand at the frontline of protecting consumers through scientific evidence, accurate testing, and professional integrity,” he said.
He called for greater investment in laboratory infrastructure and stronger enforcement of food safety regulations across the country.
“This World Food Safety Day, we call for greater investment in laboratory infrastructure, stronger enforcement of food safety regulations, and closer collaboration among government agencies, industry operators, and professional bodies to ensure that every Nigerian has access to safe and wholesome food,” Gbolahan added.
The SoTLAN president further noted that Public Analysts licensed under the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria play a critical role in detecting contaminants such as aflatoxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals and adulterants that threaten food quality and public health.
He added that strengthening laboratory capacity and supporting analytical science would improve consumer confidence, enhance regulatory compliance and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in local and international agricultural markets.
SoTLAN’s president also urged food vendors, processors and consumers to adopt safer food handling practices, including sourcing ingredients from reputable suppliers, maintaining hygiene standards, using clean water and complying with food safety regulations.
Gbolahan reaffirmed its commitment to promoting science-based food safety practices and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting consumers and strengthening Nigeria’s food safety system.
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