Photo: Olasumbo Olagoke-Komolafe received a prestigious award for outstanding achievement: Food Safety Manager of the Year 2024. Presenting the award is Dr. Olugbenga Aina, Deputy Director, NAFDAC, FNIFST, FCILG.
…Honoured for Leadership in Food Safety, Regulatory Compliance, and Public Health Advocacy
By Rosemary Ugwueze
Renowned food safety expert Olasumbo Olagoke-Komolafe has been named Food Safety Manager of the Year 2024 at the Restaurant Managers Conference, held at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. The award ceremony, organized by Respitality Care Company, recognized her outstanding contributions to food safety, regulatory compliance, and public health in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry. The conference theme was “Elevating The Art of Restaurant Management: Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence.”
The award, presented in recognition of her outstanding achievement in promoting excellence in food safety, celebrates Olasumbo’s industry-wide impact on regulatory compliance, public health advocacy, and raising food safety standards within the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry.
The prestigious event was graced by industry dignitaries, including Dr. Okafor, Deputy Director NAFDAC( FSAN) in charge of Food Evaluation, Food Storage and Quick Service Restaurant; Mrs. Bose Ayeni, Co-founder of Tantalizer Plc; and Mrs. Ayo Anibaba, Deputy Managing Director of Sweet Sensation Confectionery.
With over 12 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance, Olasumbo has demonstrated remarkable leadership in shaping industry standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and implementing innovative food safety solutions. As Senior Manager of Food Safety & Quality Assurance at Sweet Sensation Confectionery, she successfully secured NAFDAC Good Hygiene Practice (GHP) certification for four consecutive years and led several initiatives that elevated operational excellence.
The Food Safety Manager of the Year Award honors professionals who have made exceptional contributions to food safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Award criteria include:
• Leadership in Food Safety & Quality Assurance: Demonstrated expertise and influence in shaping food safety policies and operational excellence.
• Successful Implementation of HACCP and Regulatory Standards: Proven ability to implement and uphold rigorous food safety regulations, including HACCP and other global standards.
• Impact on Public Health & Consumer Protection: Significant contributions to safeguarding public health and consumer safety.
• Innovative Risk Management & Crisis Response: Development of forward-thinking safety strategies during public health crises.
• Professional Standing and Industry Influence: Engagement in professional bodies, including NIFST, Street Food Safety Advocacy Group, and NIPES.
Her expertise in HACCP, Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Lean Manufacturing for Food Safety has positioned her as a key industry leader in food safety excellence.
She is also deeply passionate about training and mentoring professionals to build a culture of safety in food businesses. Her commitment is evident in the practical training sessions and thought-provoking articles she shares on the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) platform. Notable among her contributions are pieces like ‘When Was Your Last Food Safety Training, and What Did You Learn?’ and ‘Safe Food Starts with Safe Workers’, which emphasize continuous learning and personal responsibility in food safety management.
Beyond her professional achievements, Olasumbo is a published researcher with over 10 international papers on food safety, regulatory compliance, and risk management. She also serves as a peer reviewer and editorial board member of a prominent scientific journal and is recognized for bridging academic research with industry practice.
Speaking on her award, Olasumbo Olagoke-Komolafe said:
“Food safety is not just about compliance; it is about protecting lives. This recognition is a testament to the importance of rigorous safety standards in the food industry. I am honored to receive this award and remain committed to driving excellence in food safety across Nigeria and beyond.”
Adding his voice, Mr. Rasak Oke, CEO of Respitality Industry and convener of the event, remarked: “Congratulations to you on this well-deserved award. This recognition serves as a powerful clarion call to all Food Safety, Quality Control, and Assurance Managers to not only maintain but also elevate the tempo of food safety and quality standards across the board. Olasumbo’s achievements demonstrate that unwavering dedication to food safety is not just a regulatory necessity but a vital component of industry excellence. This recognition solidifies Olasumbo’s position as a transformative figure in safeguarding public health within the hospitality industry and sets a precedent for others to follow.”
As the QSR industry evolves, Olasumbo Olagoke-Komolafe continues to champion best practices in food safety, crisis management, and regulatory engagement, setting the benchmark for industry excellence while safeguarding public health.
