The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has begun the process of creating awareness on food handling across airports in the country.

The agency said this became necessary following an increase in food poisoning incidents not just at airports within the country but globally, adding that food handling within airports had become a source of concern.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, on Tuesday stated that airport food safety had become a topic of importance in contemporary aviation business.

According to him, the changing needs of food safety delivery will be easier to achieve if some of the issues of concern are addressed by stakeholders.

Yadudu who was represented by Nehemiah Auta of FAAN spoke at the agency’s maiden Airport Food Safety Awareness programme, with the theme, “Aviation industry and food safety: connecting the link.”

He said, “A decent and healthy food safety delivery within our airports can be achieved if we are able to identify and control those factors which militate against it.

“The problem of food poisoning threatens the welfare and survival of our staff, customers and human race in general. The arrays of diseases in which environmental influences play roles are almost limitless and include disease of microbial, nutritional and toxicological origin as well as those involving physical injuries.”

An Eco-Consultant, Mrs Agharese Ojelede, said the campaign was not to point accusing fingers at airlines or food vendors but to serve as an opportunity for stakeholders to learn and do the right thing.

FAAN’s General Manager, Environmental Services, Mrs Janet Omere, said the agency was providing a platform for stakeholders to help in reducing cases of food poisoning at airports by scrutinising food handling.