UNILORIN don canvasses stricter food safety laws

A Professor at the Department of Crop Production, University of Ilorin, AbdulRazak Kannike Musa, has canvassed the strengthening of food safety legislations in such a way that the use of pesticides on food items would be greatly limited in order to ensure the safety of consumers.

Prof. Musa stated this last Thursday (May 9, 2024) while delivering the 257th Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled “Managing Insects for Safe Food and Life” at the University Auditorium. 

He said that it is important for government agencies such as the National Foods and Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC) and Competition, Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and others  to work together towards ensuring limited application of pesticides on food items.

            Prof. Musa, who is a former Head of the Department of Crop Protection, University of Ilorin, also added that it is important for farmers and other stakeholders in the food system to acquire necessary pesticide education for controlled use of synthetic pesticides.

He also explained that it is important to incorporate the application of botanical insecticides in the management of insects towards food and life safety.

Prof. Musa equally suggested the use of plant materials and insect resistant crops in the management of insects, saying that the traditional practice of outright killing of insects should be discontinued.

The Inaugural Lecturer also urged the government to devote more resources to research activities in order to cover for the high cost and long period required for the development of new resistant crops.

Furthermore, he suggested the establishment of insect museums in each of the geopolitical zones of the country to aid insect identification for effective insect management, training and teaching.

Prof. Musa, who recalled his several contributions to the development of scholarship and general human progress, further called for the proper management of forests or tree plantations to ensure continuous supply of plant materials for botanical use.

He added that the application of appropriate insecticidal plants will also enable the farmers and other stakeholders to achieve foods that are free from hazards.

Prof. Musa said that it is important to manage insects rather than killing them for all to have safe food and life.

He suggested the use of locally available plants and edible materials, particularly spices in pest control. He explained that they are very effective in preservation against insect pests and extending the shelf life of stored food.

Drawing inspiration from his experience as an academic of many years, Prof. Musa appealed to senior academic  staff of  universities to help in the grooming and mentoring of younger ones for the benefit of the nation’s University system.