By Lizzy Carr
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has trained Master Bakers in Bauchi State on Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) as part of efforts to improve food safety and strengthen Nigeria’s food security framework.
The sensitization programme under the theme“Bakery Industry Strengthening GHP Compliance,” brought together bakers,key stakeholders and regulators that include representatives from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Productivity Centre, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
Bauchi State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Hamisu Yahaya, said GHP entails measures that ensure sanitation and food safety across the production process.
He noted that bakery production requires strict employee personal hygiene, good waste management clean facilities, effective pest control, water quality , temperature control and proper food handling to prevent contamination from physical, chemical, and biological hazards.
Hamisu Yahaya added that GHP is a prerequisite for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), which are essential in delivering safe, high-quality baked goods.
” Today’s training covers packaging standards, production site hygiene, trademark regulations, and other guidelines that will enhance food security”.
The NAFDAC coordinator reiterated the agency’s commitment to strengthening regulatory compliance in the bakery industry while supporting the federal government’s drive to safeguard public health.
Bauchi State Chairman Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) Alhaji Adamu Muhammad, said the initiative by NAFDAC is very commendable.
“This program has given us bakers a sense of belonging as it clearly shows that together with NAFDAC they can align their operations with national and international standards”.
One of the Baker’s Alhaji Usman Mohammed of Haske Bread Bauchi commended NAFDAC for making the training practical and pledged the bakers commitment to take hygiene measures more seriously.
