NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Usage Of Poisonous Chemicals For Food Preservation

Ayuba Mafi

 

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the attitude of food vendors who uses poisonous chemicals in the preservation of food items at the expense of Nigerians.

 

The Director-General of the Agency, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye who was speaking at Flagg off of enlightenment campaign by NAFDAC in Bauchi, revealed that among the deadly chemicals being used by meat and fish sellers was formalin, a chemical substance used to preserve dead bodies.

 

Professor Adeyeye revealed that the agency has discovered that formalin, which is used to preserve corpses is now being used by some meat and fish sellers to preserve their products.

 

NAFDAC warned that the misuse of chemicals in food products is capable of leading to many serious diseases and death.

 

The Agency also warned that anyone arrested would face the full wrath of the law.

 

Represented by the Agency’s Director for Planning, Research, and Statistics, Pharmacy Fori Tatami, DG Adeyeye said a Sniper, a poisonous chemical, is also being used to preserve Kilishi, by sellers in some parts of the country.

 

“Sniper is being misused by most Nigerians. If it dries with the Kilishi, it can kill the consumer,” the DG warned.

 

Adeyeye expressed regret that most food vendors in the country were applying one chemical or the other to food consumed by unsuspecting Nigerians.