The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it is taking measures to ensure proper hygiene care by quick serve restaurants in Imo.

The Imo coordinator of NAFDAC, Mercy Ndukwe, said this at a workshop on good hygiene, organised for restaurant owners and food vendors in Owerri on Thursday.

Ms Ndukwe said that the workshop was organised to complement the agency’s routine visits to public food outlets, being part of its efforts to promote good hygiene and ensure good public health.

She said that the food vendors would be sensitised on proper hygiene measures.

According to him, those measuring up to set standards will receive the agency’s Good Hygiene Practices certification, while persons found wanting will receive further help.

“We will conduct regular surveillance and entertain complaints from consumers to enable us put corrective measures in place and ensure proper hygiene of food outlets and restaurants,” she said.

Ms Ndukwe further said that, among other things, NAFDAC regulates the manufacture, packaging, import , export, use and distribution of foods.

“So, we are doing everything to ensure strict compliance of restaurants with established standards,” she said.

She, however, advised restaurateurs to be in charge of their businesses rather than abandon them in the hands of employees, who may not necessarily place premium on adequate hygiene.

Alexander Aguwamba, the general supervisor, Old English Bar and Grills, and a participant at the workshop, thanked NAFDAC for organising the event and advised his colleagues to prioritise clean environment and dirt-free food.

Another participant, Blessing Sebastine, the production supervisor, Sunic Foods, promised to continue to observe safe hygiene practices, especially good personal hygiene by food handlers.

(NAN)