The Kano State Government has issued a stern warning to traders involved in food adulteration, threatening legal action against those found guilty.
This comes after a Task Force seized 82 tonnes of allegedly adulterated sesame seeds, valued at approximately N180 million, at the Dawanau International Grains Market.
Commissioner for Commerce, Investment and Industry, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, emphasized that food adulteration poses a significant threat to “the image and age-long integrity of the market and damage to the state’s reputation in the global commodity trade”.
He noted that the Dawanau market plays a crucial role in food security and international trade, making it imperative to maintain its credibility.
To combat food adulteration, the Kano State Government plans to establish a Commodity Exchange Department at the market.
The Chairman of the Dawanau Market, Alhaji Mukhtar Isa, expressed support for the state government’s crackdown and assured optimum cooperation in identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
The Federal Produce Inspection Service also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing market regulations and vowed to take decisive action against anyone found guilty of adulterating food products.
As Commissioner Sagagi put it, “The government will not spare anyone found adulterating grains in this market. Adulteration is prohibited in Islam”.
