The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), along with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has issued a warning to farmers across the country, urging them to refrain from using chemicals in the storage and preservation of food grains.
This practice, which is particularly prevalent among farmers in northern Nigeria, is being carried out due to a severe shortage of modern, safe storage facilities.
However, this method of preservation has led to tragic consequences, with fatalities reported after unsuspecting families consumed grains that had been preserved with chemicals.
During an interactive session with local grain traders at the Soro Grains Market in Ganjuawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Mrs. Theresa Omaga, the director of NOA in Bauchi, stressed the need to avoid chemical preservation methods.
She highlighted the dangers posed to human health, noting that such practices risk the lives of those who consume the contaminated grains as well as contribute to environmental degradation.
Mrs. Omaga pointed out that the chemicals used in preserving these grains can seep into the soil, pollute water sources, and even affect the air quality, causing harm to ecosystems and wildlife.
The NOA director stressed that proper crop storage and preservation techniques are vital for ensuring the safety and quality of food, preventing spoilage, and maintaining the nutritional value of the grains.
She urged farmers and traders to adopt safer, healthier alternatives for preserving their harvests, calling for a collective effort to protect the health and well-being of consumers.
In the same vein, Hamis Yahaya, the state coordinator for NAFDAC in Bauchi, reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that only safe and certified food products are available in the market for public consumption.
Yahaya, who was represented by Mr. Mallah Bari, appealed to the public to heed the advice and warnings being shared by the NOA for their safety and long-term health benefits.
Mr. Bari further urged local traders and market leaders to disseminate the message of safe food preservation to their communities.