House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged use of harmful chemicals in the preservation of frozen foods and other consumable products across Nigeria.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mr. Chike Okafor, a member representing Imo State, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Presenting the motion, Mr. Okafor expressed deep concern over reports of widespread use of toxic substances such as formalin, sniper, kerosene, and other harmful chemicals to preserve frozen fish, poultry, and meat products.
He noted that findings from regulatory agencies, health experts, and media investigations revealed that substances originally meant for embalming corpses and industrial processes are now being used to prolong the shelf life of perishable foods.
According to him, these chemicals pose severe health risks, including cancer, organ damage, and developmental disorders such as autism in children issues already documented by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Mr. Okafor recalled that NAFDAC had in 2019 issued a warning against the use of formalin for food preservation, while a 2022 study by the University of Ibadan detected dangerous pesticide residues in frozen foods.
He added that increasing cases of liver and kidney failure among young Nigerians may be linked to the consumption of chemically preserved foods, stressing the urgent need for legislative action to protect citizens from health hazards.
COV/TSIBIRI
