Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has called on hospitality operators and food handlers across the state to uphold strict food safety and hygiene standards. He warned that failures in food handling could damage the state's reputation as a leading tourism destination. Otu made this statement while declaring open a capacity-building training on food safety and hygiene for operators in the hospitality sector in Calabar.
The training, organised through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Hospitality, brought together operators from hotels, restaurants, lounges, fast-food outlets, bukas, and other food service establishments, including street food vendors. Otu, represented by the Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr John Atsu, described food hygiene as a critical foundation for a successful tourism economy. He emphasized that the hospitality industry remained central to the state's economic development.
According to Otu, the quality and safety of food served to visitors could determine their overall experience and influence their decision to return to the state. He urged participants to regard themselves as custodians of Cross River's reputation among tourists and other visitors. The Governor's emphasis on food safety and hygiene comes as the state prepares to receive increased numbers of visitors during the carnival season.
The Special Adviser on Hospitality, Mr Albert Kusi, said the exercise was part of the government's broader human-capacity development programme for the hospitality sector. Kusi noted that the initiative was particularly significant because it extended food safety training beyond formal hospitality establishments to operators in the informal sector who also have direct contact with tourists and visitors.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, warned that unsafe food handling could expose residents and visitors to serious health risks and damage the state's tourism economy. Ayuk, represented by a director in the ministry, Mr Simon Obogo, identified poor personal hygiene, unsafe water, improper waste management, and cross-contamination as major factors contributing to food-borne diseases.
The Commissioner for Health also reiterated the requirement for food handlers to possess valid medical certificates of fitness, renewable every six months. He urged operators to provide clean water, soap, functional refrigerators, and proper food storage facilities. The Ministry of Health would strengthen supportive inspections of food establishments to guide operators towards compliance.
The training is expected to expose participants to modern food handling practices, personal hygiene, waste management, prevention of cross-contamination, and other standards required to improve service delivery across the hospitality sector. Cross River's indigenous cuisine remains an important component of its tourism appeal, and ensuring high standards of food safety is crucial to retaining its position as a preferred tourist destination.
Key points
- Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has urged hospitality operators and food handlers to maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards.
- The training programme aims to improve service delivery across the hospitality sector by exposing participants to modern food handling practices.
- The state government is committed to ensuring that the hospitality sector contributes positively to the state's economic development and tourism potential.
