The Senate has uncovered widespread use of harmful chemicals in food production and preservation across Nigeria. A report presented by the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Ipalibo Banigo, revealed the use of dangerous substances such as calcium carbide for fruit ripening, paracetamol for cooking meat, and sniper for grain preservation.
The report also identified other unsafe practices, including washing fruits and vegetables with detergents, soaking cassava in detergent solutions, and adding banned Sudan IV dyes to palm oil and red pepper. It warned that these activities pose serious health risks such as cancer, liver and kidney failure, and foodborne diseases.
Senator Banigo said the committee recommended stronger public awareness campaigns and called for stiffer penalties for those using chemicals to ripen fruits. The report also urged stricter enforcement of food safety regulations by relevant agencies, including the ministries of agriculture and trade, and the consumer protection commission.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the committee for its findings and directed the legislative compliance committee to ensure full implementation of the recommendations.
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