FG, stakeholders commend SON for securing new standards on root, tuber flour

… says development to boost food safety, improve export

The Federal Government and stakeholders in the food industry sector have commended the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for securing new standards on root and tuber flour.

It is reported that the milestone was achieved at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), where the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), representing the Federal Republic of Nigeria, secured approval of a New Work Proposal for the development of a Group Standard for Root (Sweet Potato) and Tuber (Yam) Flours.

SON’s new standards approval has attracted widespread commendation from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and Stakeholders, stating that the development marks another demonstration of Nigeria’s growing influence in international standard-setting.

According to a statement by SON, while congratulating the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, described the achievement as a landmark success that reflects Nigeria’s expanding leadership in the development of international food standards.

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Oduwole celebrated SON’s technical competence and strategic engagement in global standardisation processes, noting that the achievement supports the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda through improved product quality, expanded market access and increased competitiveness for Nigerian agricultural products.

In the statement, SON explained that the Codex Alimentarius Commission proposed international standard will strengthen consumer health protection, improve regulatory systems, facilitate fair practices in international food trade and reduce post-harvest losses.

The Commission, according to the statement, further observed that root and tuber crops—including yam, cassava and sweet potato—remain staple foods for millions of people worldwide and are increasingly gaining commercial relevance because of the growing global demand for gluten-free products.

Reacting, the President of the Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria, Prof. Charles Adetunji, lauded the development, describing it as an important contribution to global food safety and science-based international standard-setting.

On his part, the Chairman of the Gambia Standards Bureau, Dr. Ernest Aubee, also congratulated Nigeria and SON, expressing confidence that the country would continue to provide leadership in the development of international food standards.

Other stakeholders said the absence of an international Codex standard for these commodities had limited trade opportunities, making Nigeria’s successful proposal a timely intervention capable of opening new export markets.

“Members of the Nigeria National Codex Committee described the approval as a significant national achievement and evidence of the country’s active participation,” the statement noted.