NOA raises concern over preservation of food items with dangerous chemicals

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has raised concerns over the preservation of food items with dangerous chemicals, which has subsequently resulted in terminal ailments and untimely death.

The practice is predominantly among farmers and traders aiming to maximise profit without considering its health implications on consumers.

In order to curb the trend, NOA, Oyo State has embarked on a campaign that will reach all 33 local government areas of the state to sensitise the people to abstain from the use of dangerous chemicals for the preservation of food items.

The Director General of the Agency, Malam Issa Onilu, at the sensitisation programme tagged “Campaign against the use of dangerous chemicals in the preservation of food,” held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, urged the farmers and traders to adopt traditional ways of food preservation.

Onilu, who was speaking through the Oyo State Director of the Agency, Dr Olukemi Afolayan, noted that innocent consumers have lost their lives due to the preservation of foods with dangerous chemicals.

According to him, “We are sensitising the traders on the dangers inherent in the preservation of foods with dangerous chemicals such as hypo bleach for cassava, calcium carbide for plantains, and Snipper for beans and other grains.”

He added, “The sharp practices have resulted in cancer-related diseases, renal failure, memory loss, infertility, and in some unfortunate incidents, untimely death.

“We have appealed to them to let them know the implications of this and the need for them to talk to other women to desist from it.

“Aside from this, it is against the law of the land. The government is set to go into the market, to go into where they store grains and foodstuffs to enforce this law and whoever is found guilty will face the music.

“However, first and foremost we will sensitise them on why they should desist. We are glad that we have commitment from them that they will talk to other women in the market.”

Representing the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Damola Salami underscored the importance of adopting safer alternatives. She recommended the consumption of fresh, unpreserved foods and the use of bio-fertilisers, which are free from harmful effects on food taste and safety. Mrs Salami also addressed the critical need for adherence to withholding and re-entry periods in food preservation, practices often neglected, resulting in heightened exposure to toxic substances.

An interactive session followed the presentations, providing a platform for market men and women to engage directly with NOA and NAFDAC representatives. This dialogue facilitated a deeper understanding of the risks associated with chemical preservatives and explored practical steps towards safer food handling practices.

Key stakeholders, including the Iyaloja of Ibadan, Alhaja Iswat Abiola Ameringun, and representatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), lent their voices to the campaign, reinforcing the collective resolve to eliminate harmful practices in food preservation.

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