NOA Campaigns Against Harmful Food Preservatives
In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, through its Director General Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, has issued a stern warning against the use of harmful chemicals in food preservation.
Mallam Issa-Onilu gave the warning while speaking during a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Programme held at the Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, on the theme “Campaign Against the Use of Dangerous Chemicals in the Preservation of Foods.”
The Director General who was represented by the Oyo State Director, National Orientation Agency, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan highlighted the alarming prevalence of hazardous preservatives in markets, identifying substances such as formalin for stockfish, hypo bleach for cassava, calcium carbide for plantains, and Snipper for beans and other grains.
He noted that the chemicals, often used for their preservative qualities, pose significant health risks, including cancer, kidney failure, infertility, and, in severe cases, death.
The pervasive use of these harmful chemicals in food preservation has led to a surge in chronic illnesses and terminal diseases among our populace,” He said.
“It is imperative that we address this issue head-on to protect the health and wellbeing of our citizens.”
The event featured a robust engagement with market stakeholders, where the Director-General emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing stringent measures against the use of harmful preservatives, reassuring the attendees that offenders would face serious consequences under the law.
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, non-preserved foods and the use of bio-fertilizers, 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.
Key stakeholders, including the Iyaloja of Ibadan, Alhaja Iswat 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.
