From Dauda Iliya
The National Agency for Food and Drug, Administration and Control NAFDAC says it has intensified surveillance on restaurants and fast food spots to identify those using paracetamol tablets in food preparation.
This is coming against the backdrop of series of allegations leveled on some restaurants in Maiduguri for using paracetamol to fasten the cooking of cow-tail and cow-legs.
Borno state Coordinator of the Agency Mr Nasiru Mato made this known to Radio Nigeria in Maiduguri.
Mr. Mato admitted that the state office had earlier been alerted of possible use of the drug in food preparation which led to a consultative meeting between officials of NAFDAC and service restaurants owners.
He however explained that samples of such food have to be evaluated in the laboratory before drawing any conclusions.
The Coordinator warned that any eatery found wanting would be sanctioned.
“Outright prosecution, because any act that tends to negatively affect public health is served the necessary punitive action”.
He assured that the Agency would intensify enlightenment campaign on dangers of using paracetamol and other analgesic to fasten the cooking of food.
Medical experts have attributed the raising cases of renal failure in Borno state to unregulated use of pain relievers and consumption of illicit drugs.
Radio Nigeria Peace FM Maiduguri had last week aired an episode of anti corruption program where it unravelled the use of paracetamol in food preparation by one of the restaurants in Maiduguri.