The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has warned Nigerians against the hazardous practice of using dangerous chemicals to preserve food items
The Agency highlighted the dangers associated with dichlorvos, a chemical commonly utilised by traders to safeguard food from spoilage.
This development is in response to a PUNCH Healthwise report, which exposed how traders engage in harmful practices to preserve fish.
The report with the headline, ‘Experts advocate tough measures as defiant traders use pesticides to preserve fish’, was published on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
PUNCH Healthwise reported how a disturbing video surfaced on social media showing a trader using Sniper, a highly toxic pesticide, to preserve stockfish by applying it directly.
The video created apprehension and sparked debates regarding the potential health risks associated with the misuse of such toxic chemicals.
Experts, who exclusively spoke with our correspondent called for robust policy measures to address the widespread misuse of harmful chemicals in food processing.
They stressed the critical role of government intervention in enforcing existing regulations and ensuring compliance with bans on the open sale of hazardous chemicals like sniper.
The physicians said the highly toxic nature of the pesticide poses severe health risks to consumers, with potential adverse effects ranging from nausea and vomiting to long-term organ damage and even cancer.
Reacting to the report, the Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement on Sunday, explained that the sale of small volume dichlorvos (100 ml or less), sold as Sniper has been banned since 2019, while the sale of the large volume (one litre) is limited to certified agrochemicals outlets.
Corroborating the experts, the NAFDAC Director-General underscored the toxicity of dichlorvos to human health, cautioning that its use can have fatal consequences.
Responding to the viral video, Adeyeye, urged traders and merchants to desist from using unauthorised chemicals on food meant for human consumption.
“The misuse of dichlorvos poses significant risks to human health, manifesting in both short-term and long-term consequences. Long-term exposure can result in severe health implications, including developmental abnormalities in offspring, memory loss, reduced fertility, and potential carcinogenic effects.
“These adverse effects highlight the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with dichlorvos exposure,” she stated.
Adeyeye listed alternative food preservation methods and mentioned using bio-pesticides as a safer option than dichlorvos.
She noted that food remaining unspoiled for an extended period might indicate pesticide contamination rather than freshness unless stored in the refrigerator.
In addition to the banning of the 100 ml size bottle as stated above, the Director General disclosed that NAFDAC has implemented several initiatives such as stakeholders’ sensitization meetings on restricting the direct application of dichlorvos on grains and foodstuffs and thorough laboratory testing to ensure pesticide residues do not exceed maximum limits for both in-country consumption and for exports.
She also added that routine monitoring of stakeholders is also conducted to ensure compliance.
Adeyeye assured of NAFDAC’s continued commitment to global best practices, including the phase-out of certain pesticides banned in other countries due to proven toxicity.
Acknowledging the challenges farmers face due to the ban on various chemicals, she emphasized the importance of transitioning to safer alternatives.
On misconceptions about banned chemicals being dumped in Nigeria, she explained that comprehensive lists have been provided to the media to dispel such notions.
PUNCH had earlier reported that a Consultant Public Health Physician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Professor Tanimola Akande, warned that people who consume food items contaminated with harmful chemicals may experience symptoms ranging from respiratory distress to neurological disorders.
The don, while stressing the importance of identifying trusted sources for food products to minimise exposure to contaminated items, called for stricter enforcement measures and increased public awareness campaigns to educate consumers and discourage the use of pesticides in food preservation.
Tanimola noted that there is a need for enhanced surveillance and monitoring by government agencies, including the Inspectorate Unit of Veterinary Services and Environmental Health Officials.
Similarly, a Senior Registrar in the Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Solomon Olorunfemi emphasised the urgent need for measures to curb the indiscriminate use of pesticides.
He pointed out the negative health impacts associated with the use of snipers, ranging from common symptoms like nausea and vomiting to more severe long-term effects like organ damage and the development of cancer.
credit:punch news
