Implementation of Food Safety Policies and Laws in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Food plays a very crucial role in sustaining the continued existence of all living creatures. Hence, issues of food safety must be promoted to ensure sound nutrition and health. Aim: This study investigated the impact of implementation of food safety policies and laws in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Methods: Structured questionnaires were used for data collection from selected local government areas (LGAs) in Ibadan metropolis. Findings: Results revealed that 36.9% (116) and 63.1% (198) of the respondents were male and female, respectively, with majority, 218 (69.43%), being between the age-group of 18-30 years. Among respondents from local governments, 123 (39.2%) were from Akinyele LGA, 113 (36.0%) from Ibadan North LGA, 21 (6.6%) from Ido LGA, 9 (2.9%) from Ibadan-North-East, 8 (2.5%) from Ibadan North-West LGA, 7 (2.2%) from Ibadan South-West, 5 (1.6%) from Egbeda LGA, 4 (1.3%) from Ibadan South-East, while 9 (2.95%) from other areas. Most of the respondents were from Akinyele LGA. As per educational level, 238 (75.8%) of the respondents had tertiary level of study, 36 (11.5%) had secondary level of schooling, 32 (10.2%) had professional certification as their highest level of education, 5 (1.6%) had primary school level of study while the remaining 3 (0.9%) had no formal education. The study showed that among the current food safety laws and policies in operation in Ibadan, evaluation of principles of Food Safety Act was found to be the most implemented by the individuals concerned (vendors and customers) with mean score of 13.5, followed by official control of safety of food and feed (12.6), then laws and policies for requirements for food and feed safety (8.6). Likewise, the law and policies pertaining to investigation of registration and licensing of establishments (8.1) was functional, as well as evaluation of emergencies and crisis (5.4), official testing and reference laboratories (5.4) and evaluation of the responsibilities (5.0). Conclusion: The study revealed significant roles of laws and policies that could aid the practices and management of food safety matters in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Further studies are recommended to cover wider populations and geographical areas.