Dr. Ngameni Pierre Hilaire was sworn-in at the Littoral Court of Appeal in Douala on April 2, 2012.

Dr. Ngameni Pierre Hilaire, who was appointed on October 25, 2011 by the Minister of Justice, is now vested with powers to rid local markets, sea and airports of expired food items like milk, margarine, vinegar and tomato that had hitherto been sold in disregard of a 1960 decree.

The swearing-in ceremony was chaired by the President of the Littoral Court of Appeal, Bana Ayissi, in the presence of its Chief Prosecutor, Yandja André. The latter urged Dr Pierre to work hard, be impartial, transparent and cooperate with partners. The food inspector is expected to carry out food tests in collaboration with laboratories to determine their suitability for public consumption. His plan of action includes sensitizing food importers, traders and consumers on the dangers of expired food as well as prosecuting defaulters.

Dr Pierre is holder of a Master’s degree in African Research from the University of Dschang in the West Region and a Doctor of Philosophy, PhD degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State in Nigeria. He has served with the Inter-African Phytosanitary Council of the African Union. He has also been Acting Head of the Entomology Department, University of Dschang, Service Head for Material and Maintenance in the same university since 2006 as well as being head of the Biological Control Committee for Central Africa.