House Investigates Alledged Use Of Chemicals For Food Preservation

House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the alleged use of toxic chemicals to preserve frozen foods and other consumables across the country.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by a member from Imo State, Mr Chike Okafor during plenary in Abuja.

In his lead debate, the lawmaker said reports from regulatory agencies, health experts, and media investigations indicate that harmful substances such as formalin, sniper, and kerosene typically used for embalming corpses and industrial processes are being applied to preserve frozen fish, poultry, and meat products.

He warned that the practice poses serious health risks, including cancer, organ damage, and developmental disorders such as autism in children, citing findings by the Nigerian Medical Association.

The lawmaker recalled that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, had, in 2019, cautioned against using formalin to preserve food.

“A 2022 study by the University of Ibadan also detected dangerous pesticide residues in frozen foods.”

Okafor said the rise in cases of liver and kidney failure among young Nigerians may be linked to the consumption of chemically preserved foods, urging swift legislative action to safeguard public health.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji