Like every other thing in Nigerian Society, it started as a rumour and began to spread. This time, it is the use of killer chemicals for the preservation of foods and fruits. It is not a new alarm. In 2019, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) issued an alert regarding the use of formalin on fish and kpomo (cow skin). Also in 2022, a study by the University of Ibadan found dangerous levels of pesticide residues in frozen foods.
Despite these worrisome reports, the practice has persisted and increased in dimensions, and we are now facing what can only be described as a systematic poisoning of our populace.
Yes, almost everything is chemicalized for profit purposes now. That probably explains why fruits like bananas, plantains, avocados, oranges, mangoes, etc., are forced to ripen by using chemicals. There are also reported cases of mixing palm oil with engine oil to increase the volume in the market, using Sniper (insecticide) to preserve beans, stock fish and dry fish, and a lot more. God save His people.
Recently, the House of Representatives resolved to probe the use of some of these killer chemicals for preserving foods and fruits, and prolonging their lifespan. The resolution was sequel to a unanimous adoption of a motion by Rep Chike Okafor (Imo). Moving the motion, Okafor said that the use of harmful chemicals in Nigeria poses a clear danger to the health and wellness of millions of our citizens.
According to him, available reports from regulatory health experts and media investigations reveal that the chemicals commonly used for embalming corpses and industrial processes are now being used for ripening fruits and to prolong the shelf life of perishable foods.
He continued, “These chemicals pose serious health risks to consumers, including the potential for the development of disorders in children, cancer, organ damage, and other life-threatening health conditions for many Nigerians, as documented by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The lawmaker disclosed that “there is a dangerous development today that a huge number of young men and women in Nigeria are suffering from liver damage, kidney failure, and there is a noticeable increase in the number of children suffering from autism, and the cause is not far-fetched.”
Rep Okafor said that as representatives of the people, the members cannot ignore the warnings any longer, calling for fast action on the matter. This is well said, as it is to say “enough is enough, because more than enough has been swept under the carpet since the news broke out in 2019.”
When Lifestyle went to town to find out how and what people feel about the matter, it was mixed reactions. At the popular Ogbeogonogo market in Asaba, the Delta State capital, some women said that they were not surprised about the matter, and that it was no longer news and that they were used to it. A female buyer was bold enough to ask Lifestyle, “Are you just hearing it? There are so many. Have you not heard of the use of engine oil mixed with palm oil to boost profit? And what about fruits – mango, banana, apple, and plantain you find in the market? Just go inside and you will find some of them on display for sale, and people are buying them fast.”
She said that some of the chemicals have raised health concerns, such as allergic reactions, yet they’re still being used, noting that people use the chemicals for obvious reasons such as extended shelf life, food safety, convenience and cost effectiveness.
She disclosed that food preservatives are very common, and that many are used in everyday food products, adding that some regulatory agencies see them, look away and laugh. “How many people will they arrest? These chemicals are widely used in various food products, including baked foods, dairy products, processed meats, fruits and vegetables.”
Another respondent, Johnson Chukwu, a male nurse, made some clarification on the killer chemicals, saying “the substances you are referring to are likely food preservatives which some people might view as killer chemicals due to potential health concerns.” However, he added, “It is essential to understand that not all preservatives are bad, as many are used to prevent spoilage and food-borne illnesses.”
He said that the Nigerian government faces criticism for allowing the use of certain chemicals in food production despite their potential health risk, even as he noted that the government is taking steps to regulate and limit the use of certain food additives and chemicals in response to growing public health concerns, adding that the use of chemicals in food production and preservation is indeed increasing and driven by factors such as growing demand for food, changing lifestyles, food safety quality.
He warned that if the use of harmful chemicals in food production and preservation is not checked, it could lead to increased health risks, rising healthcare costs, and loss of trust in food systems.
The medical personnel advised the government to ban or restrict harmful chemicals and enhance public education campaigns for the citizens to help reduce the harmful effects of the chemicals in the markets.
The nurse lauded the efforts of the lawmaker who raised the issue on the floor of the House of Representatives, saying that if other people before him had been doing so, the death rate would’ve been reduced to the barest minimum.
It is good that the House of Representatives has set up a committee to probe the alleged use of killer chemicals. We urge them to treat the matter as a clear case of emergency.
The number of victims of this menace has not been disclosed yet, but the results of the probe could go a long way to help check the use of the killer chemicals and the consequent death of citizens of this nation.
Nigerians are in serious trouble on this matter as everybody, the rich and poor, is involved.
