Oyo State Bans Use Of Styrofoam Packs Across The State

The usage of Styrofoam for food service and storage was outlawed by the Oyo State Government on Monday, March 11.

The usage of the meal kits known as “Take Away Packs” was outlawed by the Lagos state government back in January, Abia State did the same moments later.

Subsequently, on Thursday, February 8, 2024, the Oyo State House of Assembly recommended the state government to outlaw the use of Styrofoam in food preparation. Consequently, the Food Safety Compliance Enforcement Task Force was established to supervise the implementation of food safety laws and guidelines throughout the state.

The state Commissioner for Health Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi declared the ban during the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum and the task force’s inception, which took place in the ministry’s conference room at the Secretariat, Agodi in the state capital of Ibadan.

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.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]