SON Introduces Code of Hygienic Practice For The Cold Room Industry‏

  SON, Standards Organization of Nigeria has introduced a hygienic practice code to sanitize the cold room industry so as to ensure that only quality and fresh products are for sale in Nigerian markets. Dr.Joseph Odumodu, Director General, SON said that with this move, Nigerians should expect better products coming from cold room operations. He added that the code would ensure that the products sold are wholesome and disease-free for consumption. Odumodu was represented by the Director, Food and Packaging, SON, Margaret Eshiet during a meeting with stakeholders in the cold room industry. She explained, “We called all the cold room operators from the Small and Medium Enterprises, multinationals to hint them about this code of hygienic practice and also to tell them SON has a mandate to implement government policy to ensure that the fishery sector is sanitized. We want to sanitize the industry and also complement the efforts of other regulators, but our role is to put a system in place to ensure that these products meet the minimum requirement of the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).” Abiola Komolafe, Head of Department, Product Certification Directorate who represented the Director General entreated members of the technical committee to ensure in agreement that the standards that are considered would guide manufacturers, exporters, farmers and other stakeholders to promote safe and quality food products in the global food trade market. He explained, “You may wish to know that our primary aim for standardization of food and agricultural commodities is to protect consumers. Achievement of this objective helps to promote international trade in food and agricultural produce. We are also to note that now that there is awareness in international trade in food and agricultural products in the country, this should bring about important social and economic benefits to consumers.” He assured the stakeholders that SON would continue to collaborate with various agencies in achieving the industrialization of Nigeria through standardization. He also pointed out that the ability of SMEs to meet certain standards and quality criteria is critical when considering the role they play as grassroots entrepreneurs and as the engine of growth and development.