Understanding Food Poisoning in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review from Microbiological and Public Health Perspectives.

Author: Emmanuel Michael 

ABSTRACT

Food poisoning is significantly a public health concern in Nigeria, contributing to several annually cases of illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. This review offers a wide-ranging review of food poisoning in Nigeria, with focus on microbiological aspects, causative agents, transmission routes, strategies of prevention, and public health interventions roles. By synthesizing expert insights and current research, the aims of these reviews are to enhance food poisoning understanding in the Nigerian context as well as contribute to the effective preventive measures of development and interventions made-to-order the specific challenges of the country.

INTRODUCTION

In Nigeria, Foodborne diseases pose a substantial health burden that reflects challenges in food safety, sanitation infrastructure, regulation, and public health awareness (Ndahi & Gaiya, 2020). Food poisoning prevalence underscores the necessity for comprehensive approaches on risk mitigation and public health protection (Bolarinwa et al., 2018). This outline sets the stage for a comprehensive food poisoning exploration in Nigeria, highlighting its complexities, impact, and the importance of addressing public health and microbiological aspects.

Significantly, food poisoning is globally a public health concern, contributing to substantial mortality and morbidity rates, predominantly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria. About 600 million foodborne diseases related cases occur annually worldwide according to the estimates of the World Health Organization (WHO), resulting in 420,000 deaths, with the majority of these cases happening in LMICs (WHO, 2020). Nigeria, with its population rapidly growing, faces exact challenges in the risks associated with foodborne diseases.

It is estimated that 600 million – about 1 in 10 people fall sick after eating contaminated food globally, and result in about 420,000 deaths annually, with 33 million healthy lives lost every year (DALYs) (Food Safety- Fact Sheet” (Reviewed October, 2017). More than 200,000 persons die in Nigeria as a result of food poisoning yearly, instigated by contamination of food substances through inappropriate farming, handing out, preservation and services (Premium Times, 2017).

Inappropriate techniques of farming and food processing approaches, adulteration of products as well as contamination acquired during processing are possible causes for food-borne diseases. The quantity of chemicals applied for preservation, standard of sale and meddling with expiration dates are also likely sources. Additionally, the cooking methods, and the hygienic conditions of the cooking environment, and the personal hygiene of food handlers are all likely causes of food-borne diseases in Nigeria (Slyvester et al., 2013)

Our fluctuating lifestyles have encouraged food vendors and food outlets, with a huge number of ready-to-eat foods vended by the informal sector, particularly as street food. Many of the food sellers are naturally itinerant. Some push their wheel-barrows and food-laden carts or specially-fabricated bicycles to enhance customer service irrespective of location. The prices of these street foods are relatively low, thus enticing several low-income workers, travellers, shoppers, and school children, etc. These people pay more attention to saving money and time convenience than issues of quality, safety, and hygiene (Adewole, 2018).

THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE FOOD SAFETY REGIMES IN NIGERIA

The need for effective food safety administrations will require the existence of all-inclusive laws, joined with food control infrastructure effectiveness and official capacities, to guarantee compliance in consumer protection provision. Laws should effectively address the whole range of food safety anxieties. Satisfactory infrastructure such as coordination, system of surveillance and budgetary necessities should be appropriately convened. Certification of established capacities, with requirements for capacity building and training. This content seeks to highlight the need for effective food safety administration by, first, relating the numerous cases of food borne occurrences in Nigeria. It extends to bare different research that indicates ignorance, carelessness and inattention by the food handlers as well as insufficient regulation by the certain regulatory bodies. It concludes by analysis of possible effects and menace on the populace and the nation’s economy.

PRACTICAL CHALLENGES OF REGULATING FOOD IN NIGERIA

Regular and adequate food administration and regulation in Nigeria will be associated with challenges. Food safety issues and toxicants associated with foodborne in Nigeria is aggravated by lack of public enlightenment on the subject, disorganised approach to food control, inadequate technical expertise, deficient laboratories, poor legislative enforcement and limited regulations. Also include not understanding of food quality standards and safety as enshrined in international protocols; lack of resources and infrastructure to support management of scientific risk,ineffective food distribution network and inadequate traceability. Lack of socioeconomic awareness and food safety importance owing to data and information on foodborne disease, incidence and outbreaks is majorly a challenge. A major food safety impediment in Nigeria is the poor disposal of refuse and insufficient toilet facilities to serve the customers. Food preparation is sometimes in unsanitary conditions owing to untreated water supply and poor drainage systems. These bring about conditions conducive to pollution. Another mundane impediment is the irrational belief in several regions of Nigeria, where they associate food poisoning as due to evil spirit, curses or malice (Oyemade et al., 1998).

Climatic conditions such as  drought, war, and socio-security, political insecurity can lead to a serious challenge for effective regulation. Change of climate, where there are sometimes  changes in temperature can result in the risk of food safety  associated with food transformation into finished products, storage and distribution, has a food safety impact.

The increase in population rate also causes rise in the food security burden and a relaxed attitude by the public and regulators. Several of these challenges can be avoided with  intensive public enlightenment to the food handlers and the population of consumers as well as an integrated and collaborative effort with relevant agencies, as anticipated in the national policy on Food safety. Example, strategic partnership between NAFDAC and the National Biosafety Management Agency with the aim to ensure food safety in the country is praiseworthy, as both agencies stated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2016 to expedite and strengthen their collaboration (Ayo, 2017)

CAUSES OF FOOD POISONING IN NIGERIA

Majorly, pathogenic microorganisms are the contributing elements that play a crucial role and adversely cause the outbreak severity and occurrence of food poisoning. These pathogenic microbes such as  Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus  are mostly the frontliners and the common  foodborne illnesses culprits in Nigeria. These pathogens contribute to the food contamination at various stages of production, processing, transportation, and preparation, infecting the food consumed by humans (Oladipo et al. 2019).

However, the interventions of public health aim at the management and prevention of food poisoning in Nigeria, but face complex challenges, such as inadequate infrastructural sanitation, poor practices of hygiene, limited access to portable clean water, and inadequate food safety regulatory frameworks. In addition, socio-economic factors like illiteracy, poverty, and insufficient healthcare services aggravate  foodborne diseases burden in Nigeria. This is a comprehensive review aimed at critically examining the microbiological factors that contribute to food poisoning in the country and assess contemporary public health approaches on how to mitigate the foodborne illnesses and its associated risks. By synthesising current literature and gaps in identification and knowledge, this review aims to provide insights and capacity towards evidence-based interventions to enhance food safety and  public health protection in Nigeria.

PATHOGEN-DRIVEN FOOD POISONING IN NIGERIA:

Bacterial Pathogens: The contamination of food substances by bacteria in Nigeria is a pervasive issue, with pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Vibrio species and Staphylococcus aureus, causing significant public health risks (Ndahi & Gaiya, 2020). Certain factors such as  inadequate and fortified food storage facilities, poor knowledge of hygiene practices, and insufficient accessibility to clean water is a major contributing factor to bacterial pathogens transmission through numerous food sources, such as dairy products, meat, and snacks (Ajayi et al., 2019). The understanding of epidemiology and mechanisms of microbial virulence of these bacteria is essential for devising  interventions targeted towards the prevention of foodborne outbreaks.

Viral Pathogens: Viruses are also major contributors and constitute foodborne pathogens in Nigeria, with  hepatitis A virus (HAV) and norovirus being of particular concern (Adesokan et al., 2019). The fecal-oral route is commonly a mode of transmission for these viruses, Significantly highlighting the need for personal hygiene practices and sanitation to prevent contamination. Hepatitis A and Norovirus gastroenteritis infections outbreaks have been associated with the drinking of contaminated water as well as food consumption, highlighting the importance of comprehensive surveillance and control measures.

Parasitic Pathogens: According to Omemu et al. in 2019, parasitic infections, even though are less prevalent, contribute to food poisoning burden in the country. Giardia and Cryptosporidium are among the implicating parasites. Inadequate sanitation infrastructure and environmental contamination aggravate the risk of parasitic infections, most especially in rural communities. In addressing issues of water quality and promoting educational hygiene are important for the prevention of parasitic pathogens transmission through waterborne and food routes.

ROUTES OF TRANSMISSION IN NIGERIA

The transmission of foodborne pathogens in Nigeria can be through numerous routes, such as the ingestion of contaminated food or beverages, lack of food handling practices, cross-contamination in the process of food preparation, and contaminated water sources used during food production (Adesokan et al., 2019). Local food markets, food vendors on the street, and establishments of unregulated food are commonly compromised food safety settings and practices, resulting in high risks of foodborne illnesses. Improving standards of hygiene, food safety implementing and regulations, and  surveillance enhancement are critical for risk transmission reduction across several food supply chains.

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Improving Food Safety Infrastructure: Omemu et al. 2019 emphasised on strengthening the infrastructure of food safety to paramountly prevent foodborne illnesses in Nigeria. This includes banking in sanitation facilities, water quality improvement and management, most importantly, enhancing regulatory frameworks to guarantee hygiene standards compliance. Public-private partnerships can expedite food safety implementation initiatives and promote best practices for industry-wide adherence.

Enhancing Food Hygiene Education: Consumers education, food industry stakeholders and food handlers have focused on proper food hygiene practices which is an essential foodborne illnesses reduction strategy  (Ajayi et al., 2019). Training programs, public enlightenment campaigns, and community initiatives outreaches can energise individuals towards the adoption of prepared practices and safer food handling. Highlighting the need of handwashing, proper cooking approaches, and safe food storage can contribute to the promotion of food safety culture and behaviour change.

Intensifying surveillance and response readiness: surveillance systems enhancement for foodborne diseases and strengthening  response capacities to outbreak are critical for early detection and restriction of foodborne illnesses (Ndahi & Gaiya, 2020). This includes setting up sentinel surveillance centres, conducting infection analysis, and laboratory capabilities enhancement for detection and characterization of pathogens. Emergency response crews and coordinated interdisciplinary teamwork are necessary for effective management of foodborne outbreaks and preventing onward transmission. 

Public Health Interventions: Result-oriented public health efforts play a central role in alleviating the impact of food poisoning in Nigeria (Bolarinwa et al., 2018). These strategies encapsulate investigation of outbreaks and response, Surveillance of foodborne illness and reporting, law enforcement, and collaborative teamwork within public health entities, food processing industry stakeholders, and healthcare providers. Establishing partnerships, sharing insights and  evidence-based interventions and implementations are crucial for burden reduction on foodborne illnesses and public health security. 

CONCLUSION

Vividly, food poisoning is a representative of a substantial public health challenge in Nigeria, requiring synchronised efforts to address environmental, microbiological, and socio-economic food safety determinants (Ajayi et al., 2019). By understanding the microbiological causes, infection routes and strategies for prevention specific to the context of Nigerian, stakeholders can establish targeted interventions to lessen hazards and protect the population from foodborne illnesses. Continued infrastructural investment, capacity-development, and effective public health interventions is crucial for ensuring the security and safety of Nigeria’s food supply chain.

Firstly, food poisoning incidence and outbreaks in Nigeria is mostly driven by food products contamination with pathogenic microbes such as  Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Addressing this microbiological risk entails  surveillance enhancement and control measures throughout the transformation of raw materials into finished food production and distribution chain system, including strict hygiene practices, improved sanitary infrastructure, and hazard analysis implementation as well as critical control points (HACCP) systems in food processing factories (Oladipo et al., 2019).

Secondly, the effectiveness of public health interventions towards food poisoning  management and prevention in Nigeria must put into consideration certain socio-economic factors which are routes of disease transmission.  Limited access to clean water, poverty, inadequate healthcare services, and food safety literacy level aggravate foodborne illnesses burdens, especially among vulnerable populace. Therefore, certain strategies should be put in place to improve food safety and integrate more efforts to address socio-economic inequalities and  healthcare infrastructure enhancement in the country.

Furthermore, regulatory frameworks enhancement for food safety and promoting closer collaboration between industry stakeholders, government entities and civil society organisations are necessary for enhancing food safety interventions and effectiveness in Nigeria. This includes food safety standards enforcement, the instituting foodborne pathogens monitoring systems, and making available educational training programs for  consumers and food handlers.

Conclusively, addressing food poisoning challenges in Nigeria requires a diverse and cross-disciplinary method that encompasses microbiological research, socio-economic development strategies and public health interventions. By prioritising food safety infrastructural investments, promoting education hygiene, and encouraging partnerships between different stakeholders,  the risks associated with foodborne illnesses in Nigeria can be mitigated to safeguard the well-being and welfare of its populace.

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