News in Brief:
– The Rivers State government has issued a public health warning against the dangerous practice of using detergents and other harmful chemicals in the production of fufu.
– Citing severe health risks and legal consequences, officials are urging producers to adhere to food safety regulations and consumers to remain vigilant.
The Rivers State government has issued a stern warning against the use of harmful chemicals, including detergents, in the production of fufu, a widely consumed staple food.
Health officials are responding to reports of some producers adding these substances to accelerate processing and increase profits, posing significant health risks to consumers.
The state Ministry of Health, in a public advisory released recently, confirmed that radio reports had revealed the dangerous practice. This statement, signed by a senior health official on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, noted the illegality and severe health consequences of such actions.
Detergent ingestion linked to organ damage
Essentially, health authorities explicitly stated that detergents are not food items and contain chemicals that can cause immediate poisoning, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Additionally, long-term consumption of detergent-tainted fufu can result in damage to vital organs, including the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Furthermore, the chemicals can cause internal bleeding and ulcers, and they may contribute to reproductive problems and increased cancer risk due to endocrine-disrupting properties.
Legal action and food safety regulations
Consequently, the Rivers State government stressed that the use of non-food-grade substances in food preparation violates both national and international food safety standards.
Also, they warned that producers who engage in this practice face legal consequences, including fines, business closures, and potential imprisonment. The Ministry of Health urged all producers to adhere to best practices in food hygiene and safety, utilising only approved food-grade ingredients.
In the meantime, the government is calling on consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious food production practices to the appropriate health authorities. The Ministry of Health has pledged to collaborate with other regulatory bodies to strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts, ensuring that food safety standards are upheld.
The advisory concluded with a call for collective responsibility, urging all citizens to work together to ensure that food is free from harmful chemicals.
