NAFDAC Cautions Against Storing Cooked Food for Over Three Days in the Fridge

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised Nigerians not to keep cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days.

NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued this warning during the 2024 World Food Safety Day event, themed ‘Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.’

Prof. Adeyeye stated that cooked food kept in the fridge for several days can become contaminated with harmful pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses, which can be fatal.

She stressed that ensuring food safety is a collective responsibility. From producers to consumers, everyone must work together to ensure the food we eat is safe.

In a statement by the agency’s media consultant, Sayo Akintola, Adeyeye referenced WHO estimates, noting that one in ten people worldwide get sick, and 420,000 die each year from eating contaminated food.

This contamination leads to the loss of 33 million healthy life years. Children under five and other vulnerable groups in poorer regions are most affected.

Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that food safety is crucial not only for public health but also for economic growth and food security. Everyone, from farm to table, must ensure the food we eat is safe.

For World Food Safety Day 2024, WHO and FAO are urging all stakeholders in the food supply chain to be prepared for unexpected threats to food safety in our interconnected global food supply system.