As unsafe food claims 53,000 lives annually in the country, Nigerians have urged the Federal and state governments to make healthy and safe food more affordable amid worsening economic hardship.
Nigerians, who spoke with PUNCH Healthwise, lamented that rising food prices have forced them to make difficult choices, often opting for cheaper food items that are of questionable quality.
They noted that the high cost of nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, and other protein sources, has made it increasingly difficult for families to maintain healthy diets.
They made the call after the Federal Government revealed that unsafe food causes more than 53,000 deaths and nearly 50 million illnesses annually in Nigeria.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, said Nigeria loses an estimated 4.26 million years of healthy life annually to foodborne diseases through illness, disability, and premature death.
