Benue Assembly Warns Against Use Of Harmful Chemicals In Food Production

The Benue State House of Assembly has warned against the use of harmful chemicals in food production, preservation and agricultural activities in the state.

The assembly gave the warning during plenary on Thursday presided over by the Speaker, Berger Alfred Emberga.

A statement by the chief press secretary to the speaker, Zape Michael Upaa, said the warning followed a report of the House Standing Committee on Food Security and Nutrition after its interaction with officials of the ministries of health and human services, agriculture and food security on the dangers associated with hazardous chemicals in the food chain.

Presenting its findings, the committee’s lead presenter, Anyor Mato, said the indiscriminate use of chemicals in farming, food processing and storage could expose residents to foodborne diseases, acute poisoning and chronic health conditions.

The committee expressed concern with the use of substances such as detergents and calcium carbide in food processing and fruit ripening as well as the use of burning tyres to roast meat.

The committee warned that such practices could have serious consequences for public health, particularly among vulnerable groups, including women, children and rural communities.

It also observed that existing regulatory mechanisms were inadequate to effectively monitor the registration, storage, use and disposal of agricultural chemicals in the state.

According to the lawmakers, inadequate public enlightenment and weak community engagement had further contributed to unsafe practices in food handling, packaging, preservation and post-harvest management.

‎‎The committee noted that Benue lacked comprehensive legislation specifically regulating the use of highly hazardous chemicals across the food chain.

‎‎It further warned that the improper handling of pesticides, herbicides, inorganic fertiliser and fumigants could cause soil degradation, contaminate water sources and undermine sustainable agricultural practices.

‎‎To address the situation, the House recommended sustained public sensitisation by the ministries of health and human services and agriculture and food security on the dangers of harmful chemicals in food production and preservation.

‎‎It also urged the ministries to strengthen enforcement of regulations governing the registration, storage, application and disposal of agro-chemicals.

‎‎Ruling on the report after thoroughly deliberation, the Speaker Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, thank the committee for a thoroughly job and recommended the Constitution of a Tasks force to regulate safety of consumable food in the State.