Features
World Food Safety Day 2021: How CFM is driving food safety in Nigeria
The theme of the 2021 World Food Safety Day (WFSD), Safe Food Now for a Healthy Tomorrow, couldnt have been more apt in drawing attention to the current global and national food security and safety issues.
Reports about the looming food shortage in certain countries/ regions; and the increasing pivot to cheap, and in some cases, unsafe alternatives among segments of the global population has helped to galvanize governments and corporate bodies to effectively participate in food security and safety campaigns within their countries and operational regions respectively. This year’s commemoration of the World Food Safety Day provides a platform to focus on the consumption of unsafe foods, and the consequent impact of such practices on the socio-economic wellbeing of the global population and how the various private and public agencies are working together to proffer lasting solutions to these issues.
A World Health Organisation factsheet showed that an estimated 600 million people fall victim to unsafe, contaminated food every year. While a large percentage of the estimated number of people who consume unsafe food suffer a range of illnesses such as diarrhea and cancer, about 420,000 of the victims die yearly.
The consumption of contaminated foods and the resulting cases of illnesses and deaths impact the global labour force and productivity levels negatively. The efficiency rate of the labour force is lowered, while medical bills gulp a chunk of corporate and public revenues. In monetary terms, the world loses a whooping $110 billion annually to lost productivity due to consumption of contaminated foods.
More painful, however, is the fact that children account for 40% of the total victims of food-borne diseases. Considering the recent advancements in the global food supply chains and nutrition regulatory and monitoring frameworks, the proliferation of unsafe foods and the consequent loss of lives is tragic, seeing as it is completely avoidable.
Food can be chemically, biologically and physically contaminated. For instance, the toxins that occur naturally in some fishes may harm consumers. Likewise, the use of hazardous chemicals such as dichlorvos for the storage of agricultural produce and the adoption of crude farming practices that involve the use of substandard fertilizers on local farms may leave food contaminated and unsafe for public consumption.
Unauthorized preservatives to prolong the shelf life of food products can be hazardous to human health. Pest droppings and other contaminants often contain bacteria and viruses that are harmful when carelessly allowed to get into food prepared for human consumption. Besides, where foreign objects such as wood, iron, fingernails, amongst others, are found in food meant for human consumption, the food is said to be physically contaminated. In addition, non-fortified natural food ingredients such as unbranded salts and cooking oil that lack vital nutritional minerals do more harm to the human body than good.
Food insecurity can somewhat be linked to the consumption of unsafe foods. Price inflation and natural disasters stimulate a wider pivot to cheap and unsafe food types. Drought creates deep poverty and hunger. Food price inflation encourages the sale of fake & substandard food products, and the marketing of unfortified & badly processed food products.
Global food prices rose sharply in the first quarter of 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coupled with regional unrests in the country, the various policies deployed to curtail the pandemic have resulted in economic meltdown across local and global markets.
The World Bank, in a report titled, ‘Food Security and COVID-19, published on May 21, 2021, shared that Global food prices have risen by 38% since January 2020. Maize prices are 80% higher and wheat prices are 28% higher than in January 2020. Surging prices reflect strong demand, along with weather uncertainties, macroeconomic conditions, and COVID-19-related supply disruptions, even though the global production outlook for major grains remains good.
The primary risks to food security are at the country level: Higher retail prices, combined with reduced incomes, mean more and more households are having to cut down on the quantity and quality of their food consumption.”
The rising cases of illnesses and deaths as a consequence of food-borne diseases demand wider actions. This is where public-private collaborations are imperative. Many global agencies, including the World Bank, and several private food processing firms are helping to address the food security and safety challenges by providing support resources at the production and supply levels to ensure the global population is well-nourished.
As producers of one of the leading food staples in the country, the flour milling industry has a responsibility to ensure food safety and security. According to Ashish Pande, Managing Director of Crown Flour Mill (CFM) Limited, a subsidiary of Olam Group, “presently, the wheat value chain accounts for 75 million of the daily food portions in Nigerian households. As such, food safety is of very critical importance both ethically and financially to the food production space. Quality is extremely imperative as it helps to reduces risks and cost thereby increasing sales and improving reputation.”
For a leading miller like CFM, for instance, food safety starts from raw material procurement through to the manufacturing processes, storage and distribution and right up to when it gets to the consumer. According to Jean Hazoume, VP, Quality of CFM “We ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met at all levels, with rigorous procedures followed in line with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards to optimize best practices. Our factories are certified compliant with international standards, and preventive & corrective actions are taken as at when due.” We pay maximum attention where food safety and quality are concerned.”
In the food processing business, traceability is a vital part of operational efficiency. This entails identifying the source of all food inputs such as raw materials, additives, other ingredients, and packaging. CFM’s operations underscore the importance of traceability for the production of safe food products.
Food quality measures by CFM includes the deployment of cutting-edge vitamin premix to boost the supply of nutritious, and safe food products that meet the regulatory requirement of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for the local market. Today’s consumers and particularly this present generation are more health conscious than their older counterparts. This presents a huge opportunity for food manufacturers to exploit this consciousness by manufacturing food products to meet consumer preferences.
In this regard Ashish Pande said: “We have a few things in the pipeline in terms of new product development that would further excite our customers. However, at present, our food labels convey information about our products nutritional identity and contents, and on how to handle them safely. They contain vital details such as preparation & consumption directions, date of manufacture and expiry of the product as well as storage instructions. Our nutrition labels describe the nutrient content of our products and are intended to guide the consumer in food selection. Our nutrient content is carefully selected and based on compliance with regulatory dietary recommendations.
The Managing Director concluded by saying: “Keeping the contents of our food products safe for their required shelf life is fundamental to avoiding food contamination.”
Commemorative days are typically known to inspire wider actions in addressing deep issues across thematic borders and sectors. As the world celebrates food safety day, CFM continues to contribute to the country’s food safety and security drive, its efforts add up to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals of zero hunger by 2030.
Community
Abiodun declares state of emergency on flooded Isheri community
…assures residents of permanent solution after comprehensive assessment
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday declared state of emergency on the flooded Isheri community, in Ifo Local Government Area of the State, as he assured residents of the area quick intervention to save the situation.
The governor added that a comprehensive assessment that would lead to permanent solution to the menace of flooding in the affected area would be conducted very soon.
Prince Abiodun, who stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after inspecting the flooded community, said that his administration is working with the federal government to deal with the situation as an emergency case.
He noted that the time has come to find a lasting solution to the perennial flooding to make the area morw conducive for living.
According to him, the state government will see to the elevation of some roads in the area as parts of the solutions to the problem.
The govenor said: “We will prioritize the works here because I am touched with what I have seen. I will ensure that we immediately begin to see signs of relief as we are stepping this up. The Minister of State for Environment is already aware. The Vice President is already aware and also the president. It will be dealt with as an emergency and we are taking it as such.
“As an emergency, I will like to take it up myself. Please continue to bear with us as we are going to conduct a comprehensive assessment of what we need to do to make this place conducive for living.
“Whatever that assessment comes up with is what we are going to implement. So, we are going to first start with ensuring that we have the required road infrastructure at the appropriate levels.
“So if you now built in such a way that we need to relocate you, we have to do that. Whatever it is that we must do to ensure that place does not persistently experience flood, we will do it. But let us wait for the result of the studies to come back and then we will begin to take that decision as and when the situation arises.”
Addressing residents of Riverview Estate, Governor Abiodun said he has requested for an area survey of the entire estate to identify critical areas that needed immediately intervention.
He assured that the intervention would come through the construction of an elevated road with adequate drainages to mitigate their suffering.
“I want to assure you today, knowing fully well that we are a promise keeping administration, we do not say what we do not mean, my heart goes out to you, it is very unfortunate, I am giving my commitment today, the commissioner for works will come and see what needs to be done.
“We have also engage the Minister of State for the Environment, who fortunately, is from Ogun State and I have already brought this to his attention.
“Before the end of the week, I will also table it before the Vice President and the President as well so that we ensure that this problem gets all the desired attention and consequently gets the desired solution so we can bring this to an end,” he said.
The governor also disclosed that he and the Minister of Water Resources would visit the community in few days time.
“We will also discuss the issue of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority and try and interrogate the activities there and understand how their activities affect this community and other communities with respect to the opening and closing of the dam,” he said.
The governor described the environment around the Kara cattle market as an eyesore and not befitting the dreams of a “new Ogun State”.
He said that the market was not conducive for human living and not in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals and waste disposal.
He, however, acknowledged the area as one of the biggest commercial operation that provide services to a large number of people, even as he assured that government would go into a satisfactory agreement with the market men and women after which a comprehensive beautification of the area would take place.
The Chairman, Riverview Estate, Abayomi Akande, in his remarks, intimated the governor of the suffering residents of the area are going through as a result of the flooding.
He said that there is a need for a panel of inquiry into the operations of Oyan Dam to stop incessant release of water to cause havoc in the State
He applauded the governor for sending miscreants packing from the road, saying residents of the axis have suffered robbery attacks and other criminalities for quite awhile.
Akande urged the state government to think of converting the area into a Government Residential Area (GRA) through Public Private Partnership arrangement to fast track its development.
Features
MediaTek, Airtel Nigeria intensify collaborative efforts to bolster mobile connectivity in Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria – October 12, 2023 – MediaTek, a global leader in semiconductor industry together with Airtel Nigeria, a leading telecommunications service provider, briefed the local media on Thursday on their collaborative efforts, to drive technological advancements and improve mobile connectivity across the nation.
The collaboration introduces MediaTek’s T750-powered Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), a groundbreaking technology that enhances internet connectivity. This advancement allows users to access high-speed 5G networks from the comfort of their homes, opening doors to remote work, gaming, online education, and entertainment streaming like never before.
Speaking during the session, Rami Osman, Director for Corporate Sales and Marketing at MediaTek, Middle East Africa, highlighted MediaTek’s commitment towards expanding its footprint across the Smartphone and Smart Device ecosystem in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region.
“MediaTek is at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, and we are proud to lead the way in key sectors like Smartphones, 5G Fixed Wireless Access, Wi-Fi, TV, and AI-IoT. In Nigeria, our collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, revolves around three core areas of focus. In connectivity, we are enhancing high-speed internet access with our advanced chipsets.”
“In the Smartphone domain, we are committed to offering a wider range of premium and flagship devices while supporting the transition from feature phones to smartphones. In the realm of AI-IoT, we are exploring new possibilities and technologies. Thus, this will promote digital inclusion, revolutionize connectivity in Nigeria, and contribute to sustainable development goals,” said Osman.
In addition, he said, “This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our MEA agenda, laying a robust foundation for the future of 5G technology. As we move forward, we are excited to lead in technological progress within this continually evolving region.”
Ismail Olusegun Adeshina, Director, Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the partnership with MediaTek and how it will provide affordable connectivity to Nigerians. He stated, “Our commitment to innovation is evident through our early adoption of 5G technology. We’re proactively investing in this technology to improve connectivity, to tackle coverage and cost challenges, and make 5G devices more accessible across Nigeria”.
MediaTek powers globally recognized brands and remains dedicated to providing state-of-the-art innovations through its latest products and solutions. These offerings span a diverse range, including smartphones, smart devices, automotive technology, satellite connectivity solutions, and next-generation wearables.
MediaTek’s product portfolio includes MediaTek Dimensity for 5G smartphones, MediaTek HelioG series for 4G gaming smartphones, MediaTek Kompanio for arm-based Chromebooks, MediaTek Pentonic for Smart TV technologies, MediaTek Genio for Internet of Things applications, MediaTek Filogic for advanced Wi-Fi 6/6E & Wi-Fi 7 solutions, and MediaTek Dimensity Auto for cutting-edge automotive technologies, among others.
For more information, please visit: https://www.mediatek.com/
The award-winning Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink brand, a product of Rite Foods Limited, is delighted to unveil her highly-anticipated fourth edition of its “Bigi Watch and Win” promo. Designed exclusively for movie enthusiasts in Lagos and Abuja, this exciting promo offers participants the opportunity to watch their favourite movies and win fantastic prizes.
From September 18, 2023, to November 18, 2023, movie goers can enjoy any film of their choice at Silverbird Cinemas and receive a raffle ticket. These tickets can be redeemed for a chance to win incredible prizes, including laptops, Bigi products, printers, perfumes, and more. The grand prize for this edition is a brand-new car.
The first edition of “Bigi Watch and Win” took place in 2021, and later that same year in December, the Bigi brand held another edition. Since then, it has become an annual tradition, demonstrating Rite Foods Limited’s commitment to rewarding brand loyalty among its valued consumers.
Ms. Biola Aransiola, Assistant Brand Manager for Bigi, expressed her excitement about the fourth edition of the promo, saying, “We’ve partnered with Silverbird Cinemas to enhance people’s movie-going experience. Movie lovers can enjoy any of our 13 Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink flavours while watching their favourite films and stand a chance to win amazing prizes.”
Ms. Aransiola also mentioned that her favourite part is witnessing participants’ reactions when they discover the incredible prizes they have won, particularly the grand prize—a brand-new car. She encourages potential participants to check @getbigi on all social media platforms for the terms and conditions.
Through the “Watch & Win” promo, the Bigi brand accentuates Rite Foods Limited’s dedication to supporting the entertainment industry. The brand continues to sponsor movie premieres, as it has in the past with movies such as “The Prophetess,” “Progressive Tailors Club,” and “Aki and Pawpaw.” Additionally, it has been a consistent sponsor of the popular talent discovery platform, Nigerian Idol, for three consecutive seasons (6, 7, & 8), helping aspiring Nigerian singers achieve their dreams of stardom in the music industry.
The “Watch & Win” promo, combined with other effective marketing initiatives, has earned the Bigi brand numerous awards within its market segment. In 2023, Bigi Cola was honored with the “Best Value for Money” award at the BrandXchange Consumers Value Awards. In 2022, it received the “Fastest Growing Cola Brand of the Year” award at the Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards in Lagos. The Bigi brand also claimed the “Most Outstanding CSD Brand of the Year” award at the 2021 Brandcom Awards, solidifying its position as a market leader in the beverage industry, outperforming its competitors.
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