Nigeria’s House of Representatives has invited the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NAFDAC, SON and other relevant agencies to appear before an investigative committee to provide valued information on their effort to curb the alleged use of dangerous chemicals for the preservation of frozen foods and other food items in the country
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Chike Okafor, representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, who drew lawmakers attention to the persistent public outcry over alleged use of formalin, sodium hydroxide, snipers, kerosene and carbide as preservatives in frozen fish, prawns, shrimp, meat, and other food items in Nigerian markets
Okafor explained that reports from regulatory bodies, health experts, and media investigations revealed that the chemicals commonly used for embalming corpses, industrial processes, and ripening fruits are now being used to prolong the shelf life of perishable foods.
The lawmaker noted that consumers of these food items risks several health challenges, including the potential for developmental disorder like autism in children, cancer, organ damage, and other life-threatening health conditions as documented by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The lawmaker expressed concern that most frozen products imported into Nigeria are preserved using carcinogenic substances, which are radiation agents directly involved in causing cancer, while eateries use harmful substances, including Dimethylpolysiloxane, Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ), a chemical preservatives, so deadly that just five grams can kill a human being, to prepare chicken.
The House mandated its committees on Nutrition and Food Security, NAFDAC, Safety Standards to conduct the investigative and report back to the House within six legislative weeks for further legislative action
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
