By Oyebola Owolabi
Lagos State has called for proper hygiene in the handling and preparation of food to reduce malnutrition in children.
Permanent Secretary (Office of Environmental Services), Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mrs. Aderonke Odeneye, made the call at an advocacy and sensitisation programme for food handlers and health teachers in the Lagos Central Senatorial District.
According to her, the programme was part of efforts to eradicate malnutrition in Lagos.
Odeneye lamented that malnutrition remained a major health challenge with grave consequences, adding that consuming unwholesome food which contain toxic substances was also injurious to health.
She identified stunted growth, non-communicable chronic diet disorder, increase in morbidity and mortality rates, among others, as long-term effects of malnutrition.
Odeneye, who was represented by the Director (Environmental Education Unit), Mrs. Monsurat Banire, lamented that 30 percent of deaths in children under five years are attributed to mild malnutrition.
She, however, said: “The ministry is determined to continue with sensitisation and awareness campaigns to ensure compliance with the best standard practices to ensure quality, safe and hygienic food.
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