A Bill for an Act to establish food processing and preservation centre in Osi, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara, has passed the first reading in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Tunji Olawuyi, Member representing Ekiti, Isin, Irepodun and Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara, who sponsored the Bill, said that if passed, it would ensure food security in Nigeria.
According to him, if the Bill becomes an Act, it will help the preservation of agricultural produce and the processing of finished and semi-finished goods.
Olawuyi stated that the centre would create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the country.
The lawmaker noted that the project would apply the relevant criteria in determining whether a food is adulterated within the meaning of the Act.
He said that the centre would also determine the food conditions, whether it was unfit for human consumption.
According to the National Assemblyman, within the meaning of Section 1 of this Act, it will determine whether the food has been prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions.
“The centre will determine whether the food has become contaminated with filth, or whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health.”
He stated that the criteria would also apply in determining whether a food is in violation of the Public Health Act and the provisions of the NAFDAC Law.
Olawuyi described Osi as an agrarian and a major Garri processing community best suited to host the outfit. (NAN)
