Health experts, including Prof. Joy Ezeilo, SAN, and certified nutritionists, have cautioned against the inadequate freezing of foods due to epileptic power supply, emphasizing the importance of maintaining specific temperatures to ensure safe consumption and prevent adverse health consequences.
Their advice follows remarks by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who expressed concerns about energy wastage by keeping freezers and air conditioners running unnecessarily. However, Ezeilo and the nutritionists highlighted the potential health risks associated with inadequate freezing of foods.
Prof. Ezeilo, a Professor of Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, warned that the minister’s recommendations on energy-saving measures could potentially jeopardize the health of Nigerians. She stressed the need for guidance from the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC on safe food storage practices, as refrigerated and frozen foods must maintain specific temperatures to ensure safety.
Tolulope Ajayi, a food, nutrition, and dietetics expert, explained that foods kept in the freezer should be maintained well below 4°C to slow down the growth of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. Failure to maintain the proper temperature could predispose Nigerians to such illnesses, especially considering urbanization and busy lifestyles.
Omotola Adebayo, a community/public health nutritionist, highlighted the importance of refrigeration in preserving the freshness, nutrients, and taste of food. Improper refrigeration can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, resulting in foodborne infections such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
Echoing similar sentiments, food consultant Otubusin Oluwafisayomi emphasized the significance of temperature control in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning. Both refrigerated and frozen foods require specific temperatures to ensure safety and prevent foodborne illnesses.