The Roles of Veterinarians in the Safety of Foods of Animal Origin in Nigeria: a Review

Abstract

Foods of animal origin are necessary for the attainment of the 65 g daily requirements of animal protein by humans. However, contamination of these products by biological and chemical agents poses serious threats annually to hundreds of millions of people in developing countries including Nigeria. These public health threads arising from animal products are presently international issues as a result of global trades. The production of safe animal products that will in turn protect the consumer requires the integration of all processes of production from the farm, through slaughtering, primary and secondary processing, storage, distribution, sale, cooking and serving of food in hygienic manners. This review outlined the roles of veterinarians in the production of safe foods of animal origin in Nigeria.