Food experts on Thursday called for multi-sectoral collaboration to strengthen the nation’s food system and ensure food safety to guide against diseases. 

The experts spoke at a webinar organised by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, to commemorate the 2025 World Food Day.

The WFD is commemorated every October 16 as a global action to strengthen international and national solidarity in the fight to end poverty, malnutrition, and hunger.

Oluwatosin Adu, a nutritional biochemist at the Lagos State University, highlighted the importance of food safety and the negative impact of food contamination.

Ms Adu identified personal hygiene, food handling, and environmental hygiene as crucial to food safety. He described food safety as the handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent food-borne diseases and contamination, adding that preventing contamination ensures the protection of public health.

Chioma Emma-Nwachukwu, the Africa Manager of Nestlé Nutrition Institute, restated the importance of a nutritious diet to the overall health and well-being of the body.

Ms Emma-Nwachukwu pointed out that consuming nutritious food could reduce the risk of diseases, while unhealthy food predisposes the body to them.

The nutritionist noted that foods rich in protein, fibre, healthy fats, fruits, plant-based foods, herbs, and spices should be incorporated into everyday meals to strengthen the body and boost the immune system.

According to her, research has shown over the years that processed foods are linked to cancers, notably colon and breast cancer, hence the need to avoid such foods.

She added that everyone must be involved to promote healthy eating habits and improve the quality of life for all. (NAN)