Reps Probe Use Of Embalment Chemicals, Others For Food Preservation

House of Representatives has agreed to investigate the alleged use of harmful chemicals including corpses embalment substances, formalin, sodium hydroxide, snipers and kerosene for the preservation of frozen foods in Nigeria.

This followed the adoption of a motion moved by the member representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo state, Hon. Chike Okafor at plenary yesterday.
In the motion, Okafor noted the persistent public outcry over the alleged use of dangerous chemicals such as formalin, sodium hydroxide, snipers, kerosene and carbide as preservatives in frozen fish, prawns, shrimp, meat, and other food items in Nigerian markets.

He referenced reports from regulatory bodies, health experts, and media investigations, revealing that these chemicals commonly used for embalming corpses, industrial processes and ripening fruits are now being used to prolong the shelf life of perishable foods.

The lawmaker said the chemicals pose serious health risks to consumers, including the potential for developmental disorder (autism) in children, cancer, organ damage, and other life-threatening health conditions for uncountable Nigerians as documented by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Okafor expressed concern that most frozen products imported into Nigeria are preserved using carcinogenic substances that are agents directly involved in causing cancer.

“Some eateries use certain harmful substances including Dimethylpolysiloxane (a silicon-based polymer used in various applications like lubricants, conditioning agents and de-foamers) to prepare chicken.

“Some also use Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ), a chemical preservative so deadly, just five grams can kill a human being,” the lawmaker said.

Okafor expressed worry that the relevant agencies saddled with this responsibility has been alleged of surface complicity and sometimes often overlooking the dangerous menace that despite previous resolutions and warnings, the illegal practice persists due to weak enforcement, corruption, and lack of public awareness.

“Cognisant of Nigeria’s Food Safety Bill (2023) and the mandate of agencies like NAFDAC, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministry of Health to safeguard public health.

“These agencies have a mandate to regulate and monitor the safety of food products in Nigeria but in all of this, the situation has remained ‘water, water everywhere but no water to drink’ and the use of harmful chemicals as preservatives have continued to kill Nigerians on daily basis,” he argued.

Adopting the motion, the House mandated its relevant committees to conduct an investigative hearing on the alleged use of harmful chemical as preservatives of frozen foods and importation of frozen foods preserved with carcinogenic substances and report back to the House within six weeks.

It called on the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NAFDAC, SON and other relevant agencies to appear before the investigative committee to provide valued information on their effort to curb the dangerous trend.