NAN-H-115
Food
By Omowunmi Alake
Lagos, Feb.13, 2017 (NAN) Mrs Abimbola Olawode, the Director of Rabi Ventures Limited, has advised the Federal Government to provide enabling environment for food processors to achieve the goal of “Conduit of Excellence’’.
Conduit of Excellence is a food safety and quality assurance project initiated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in conjunction with European Commission.
Olawode, who is the coordinator of food processors on the Conduit of Excellence, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday.
According to her, the project is initiated to give support to Nigeria in building capacity to eliminate contamination due to micro toxins and high pesticides.
“This is a project that will help us eliminate contamination that are associated with micro toxins and pesticides residues level that have been identified and flagged on our produce, such as beans and melon seeds.
“As a processor, I am on a value chain of the food and I must ensure ways of getting safe and quality products from the farm.
“There are so many issues we face as processors; there are challenges with machinery because contamination can be introduced into the system by using improper machines.’
“Access to funding is an issue; if a processor like myself wants to use a standard equipment made from stainless steel, the initial capital required is a big challenge.
“A lot of funding is available but it requires collateral and many of us do not have such collateral; consequently, we are made to buy equipment that our money can afford.
“What this means is that, such processor many often times, not have the right equipment to process foods.’’
Olawode said that the Federal Government should support people who processed foods with funds to enable them get the right equipment, to achieve the goal of ensuring food safety in Nigeria.
According to her, there is need for financial support from both the Bank of Industry (BOI) and counterpart agencies that give grants.
She also urged the government to provide laboratories where processors could carry out necessary tests on good products. (NAN)
AOI/VIV/MO
=======Edited Vivian Ihechu/Morayo Omolade