The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a renewed warning against the perilous use of toxic chemicals for food preservation.
The agency has specifically outlawed the use of dichlorvos, a chemical known for its use in extending the shelf life of food commodities.
A public statement from NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, expressed alarm over a circulating video depicting the application of hazardous substances to preserve beans, stockfish, and crayfish.
“The sale of small volume dichlorvos (100 ml or less), sold as Sniper, has been banned since 2019, while the sale of large volumes (one litre) is limited to certified agrochemical outlets. NAFDAC underscores the toxicity of dichlorvos to human health, cautioning that its use can have fatal consequences.”
Echoing this statement, Dr. Rametu Momodu, the Director of Veterinary Medicine and Applied Products, affirmed that the use of certain chemicals, particularly pesticides, as a preservative for grains and beans is not sanctioned.
Dr. Momodu clarified that while there are sanctioned pesticides designed for fumigation, they must be utilized in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturers on the product labels.
She emphasized the danger of applying these substances directly to food items, citing the severe health risks they pose.
“Consuming food tainted with dichlorvos can lead to dizziness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, and convulsions, and in some cases, can result in coma and death.” she stated.
Dr. Momodu cautioned that pesticide residues can linger in food, and simply washing the items is insufficient to eliminate the threat as the chemicals penetrate the food.
“Instead, she urged grain merchants, market vendors, and farmers to adhere strictly to manufacturer guidelines and refrain from directly applying dichlorvos to beans and other foodstuffs. It should be used as intended, either as a field crop treatment or a fumigant, to ensure food safety,” she advised.
Consumers are encouraged to be vigilant and report any vendors suspected of using such hazardous practices to NAFDAC for necessary action.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Adeyeye, highlighted alternative preservation methods, advocating for bio-pesticides as a safer choice compared to dichlorvos.
She pointed out that the unnatural longevity of food items could be a sign of pesticide contamination, advising that, unless stored in a refrigerator, such food should be treated with suspicion.
In its commitment to safeguard public health, NAFDAC has not only banned the sale of dichlorvos in small volumes but also engaged in stakeholder education and rigorous laboratory testing to monitor pesticide residue levels.
“Routine monitoring of stakeholders is also conducted to ensure compliance,” Adeyeye stated, reinforcing NAFDAC’s dedication to international safety standards and the gradual discontinuation of certain pesticides recognized for their toxicity.
Addressing concerns about the illegal importation of banned chemicals, Adeyeye assured that NAFDAC has disseminated comprehensive lists to the media to correct any misinformation.
