The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Kaduna State Branch, has advised the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to critically investigate all imported food items to reduce the risk of diseases getting into unsuspected Nigerian consumers.
A former president of the association, Toyosi Raheem, made the call during an interview with newsmen at the sideline of a five-day 2nd annual scientific conference and workshop themed: “Critical Roles of Medical Laboratory Science Practice: Health Security Equals Wealth,” which held at National Ear Care Centre Auditorium.
Toyosi who served as the keynote speaker at the conference noted that the call became necessary because 99 per cent of deaths and disability rates are attributed to diseases, hence, the need for all hands to be on deck to reduce the trend.
“Some of the imported food items into the country are disease enablers and need proper investigation even before or as soon as they come into this country.
“Of course, there are agencies of government that regulate food safety whether they are genetically modified or in organic form as soon as they are brought into the country and if care is not taken, some of the imported food items could be sources of diseases.
“That was why the topic I treated addressed various ways thereby these diseases can be transferred or get to humanity and one of such areas is through imported food items. Those regulatory authorities especially NAFDAC have a very critical role in investigating all imported food items and ensuring they are safe for human consumption. But, there is nowhere they can investigate these foods except in the laboratory which is why we are very relevant”, he added.
Chairman of the conference and chairman, House Committee on Health, Plateau State House of Assembly, MLS Nambol Listick, said there is a need for improved health financing on the part of the government and improved skills and knowledge on the part of the laboratory scientists to build a healthy and wealthy population.
