Hepatitis: FCTA to screen food handlers
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will soon begin the screening of food handlers, especially those working in restaurants, markets, bakeries and canteens, for hepatitis. The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, disclosed this in a message to commemorate the 2025 World Hepatitis Day in Abuja on Wednesday. In the message, read by Dr […]
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will soon begin the screening of food handlers, especially those working in restaurants, markets, bakeries and canteens, for hepatitis.
The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, disclosed this in a message to commemorate the 2025 World Hepatitis Day in Abuja on Wednesday.
In the message, read by Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, the minister said that the move was to safeguard public health and food security in the FCT.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at preventing hepatitis and other foodborne diseases.
- Insecurity: Recruitment of 13,000 personnel underway – Army
- First Lady’s ‘Every Home a Garden’ project a success in FCT — Coordinator
“This, in the long run, will protect public health and empower food businesses to operate with enhanced confidence and credibility.”
The minister pointed out that Hepatitis A and E, primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, could rapidly spread through poor hygiene practices, posing serious risks to the rapidly expanding cosmopolitan city of Abuja.
He added that Hepatitis B and C, predominantly spread through blood and bodily fluids, equally pose a risk in food environments where open wounds or poor hygiene are present.
The minister said that food handlers are, often overlooked, but could play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health.