The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared a compulsory health screening exercise for all food handlers in Abuja, including restaurant staff, street food vendors, and market-based cooks. The initiative, led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is aimed at preventing the spread of communicable diseases, particularly Hepatitis B and C, which can be transmitted through blood, poor hygiene, or contaminated food.
The programme also includes awareness on Hepatitis A and E, which are commonly spread through contaminated water and food sources.
The exercise will be implemented through a public-private partnership that allows the government to collaborate with private healthcare providers to deliver efficient, standardized testing and training.
Food vendors will be required to undergo medical screening, attend food safety and hygiene training, and obtain proper licensing before continuing operations.The screening will be accompanied by free Hepatitis B vaccinations at designated public health centres to encourage compliance without financial burden.
Officials say the goal is not only to safeguard public health but also to enhance consumer confidence in the food service sector across the FCT. Authorities have warned that enforcement will be strict, with unlicensed or untested vendors facing possible shutdowns.
“Food safety is public safety,” a senior official said, emphasizing that proper hygiene and health checks are non-negotiable in a city as dynamic as Abuja.