The House of Representatives has resolved to research experiences of the alleged use of harmful chemical compounds to protect frozen meals and different consumable merchandise in Nigeria, amid rising fears that such practices pose grave well being dangers to tens of millions of residents.
The decision adopted the adoption of a movement by Chike Okafor (APC, Imo) throughout Wednesday’s plenary.
Presenting the movement, Mr Okafor expressed concern over the widespread use of poisonous chemical compounds corresponding to formalin, sniper, kerosene, and different dangerous substances as preservatives for frozen meals, together with fish, poultry, and meat merchandise.
He stated such substances, typically used to increase the shelf lifetime of perishable gadgets, are hazardous, cancer-causing, and able to damaging very important organs when consumed.
“The alleged use of dangerous chemical compounds in meals preservation additional exacerbates the challenges, because it undermines public belief within the security of meals storage and threatens the well being and well-being of tens of millions of Nigerians,” he stated.
The lawmaker additionally raised issues concerning the alleged complicity or negligence of regulatory our bodies such because the Nationwide Company for Meals and Drug Administration and Management (NAFDAC), the Requirements Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Competitors and Shopper Safety Fee (FCCPC).
He stated the failure of those companies to strictly implement meals security rules has allowed dangerous meals preservation practices to persist unchecked.
Modification
Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom) moved an modification looking for the inclusion of the Home Committee on Agriculture amongst these to conduct the investigation.
He argued that for the reason that challenge entails agricultural produce and post-harvest dealing with, the Agriculture Committee ought to play a job within the probe.
The Home adopted the modification.
The Home subsequently resolved to mandate the Committees on Vitamin and Meals Safety, NAFDAC, Healthcare Companies, Security Requirements and Laws, and Agriculture to collectively examine the alleged use of dangerous chemical compounds as preservatives in frozen meals throughout the nation and report again inside 4 weeks for additional legislative motion.
Broader nationwide concern
His issues echo latest findings highlighted by PREMIUM TIMES in an opinion piece, “Eat and Quench: Let’s Take heed to What Our Meals Is Telling Us,” which examined the rising development of frozen fish and poultry being handled with poisonous chemical compounds corresponding to formalin and sniper to extend shelf life.
Presently, there’s panic in some circles that the huge portions of tilapia fish and frozen hen consumed in Nigeria have been preserved with chemical compounds usually used for embalming useless our bodies, and that’s why they by no means go dangerous.
The piece warned that poor regulation, weak enforcement, and ignorance amongst shoppers are worsening Nigeria’s unsafe meals consumption disaster.
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