Recent reports of suspected food poisoning across multiple Nigerian states have sparked alarm, with fears of potential chemical contamination growing. Fatal cases have been confirmed in Sokoto, Kano, Kwara, Kogi, Anambra, and Nasarawa states. In response, the Federal Government and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have called for tighter regulations and increased public awareness on safe food practices.
The rise in suspected food poisoning incidents across Nigeria has triggered widespread public concern. The fear largely revolves around possible chemical contamination and the substandard hygienic conditions under which many food items are produced.
As of now, the death toll from these cases has risen to 43, with many others critically ill in hospitals nationwide.
Tragic Incidents Across States
In recent weeks, deadly food poisoning cases have been reported in Sokoto, Kano, Kogi, Anambra, Nasarawa, and Kwara states. Last week, a tragedy in the Eruda community of Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State, claimed the lives of a 70-year-old woman, her 34-year-old son, and two grandchildren after they consumed a meal of yam flour (amala). Earlier this month, a similar tragedy struck in Abubor Nnewichi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, where four children and their mother died from suspected food poisoning.
In Sokoto State, seven members of a family perished after consuming a cassava dish in Runjin Barmo village, Kajiji District, Shagari Local Government Area. In Kano, the deaths of a mother and her five children after eating Danwake made from expired cassava flour in Karkari village, Gwarzo LGA, have deeply saddened the community.
Experts Call for Stricter Regulations
The situation has led public health experts, nutritionists, and other stakeholders to demand stricter food safety regulations and improved hygiene practices. These experts are advocating for immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
Farmers Blame Food Hoarding for Deaths
Ajibola Olawale Tajuedeen, the national vice president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), suggested that some recent food-related deaths might be linked to the hoarding of food items. He explained that while food supplies are adequate, hoarders often use toxic chemical preservatives to store grains and tubers for extended periods, which could be contributing to the fatalities.
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Government Warns Against Unsafe Preservatives
A director from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security emphasized the dangers of using certain chemicals for food preservation. He warned that specific varieties of cassava, if improperly processed, pose serious health risks. The Ministry, along with NAFDAC, has committed to continuing education efforts for farmers, grain sellers, and consumers on the risks associated with the indiscriminate use of chemical preservatives.
NAFDAC Raises Concerns Over Bread Quality
In a related development, NAFDAC has raised alarms about the quality of bread sold in markets. According to NAFDAC’s Southwest Coordinator, Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, some bread in the markets is failing laboratory tests because producers are using saccharine instead of sugar.
Source: Legit
