The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Food Security, along with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and other relevant agencies, to appear before its investigative committee to explain the steps taken to tackle the alleged use of dangerous chemicals in food preservation across the country.
This directive followed the House’s decision to investigate claims that toxic substances are being used as preservatives in frozen foods sold in Nigerian markets.
The inquiry will be conducted jointly by the Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, NAFDAC, Safety Standards, and Agriculture, which are expected to present their findings within four legislative weeks.
The resolution was reached after a motion raised by Hon. Chike Okafor, who expressed concern over the widespread use of harmful chemicals such as formalin, sodium hydroxide, carbide, sniper, and kerosene to preserve frozen fish, meat, prawns, shrimps, and other perishable products.
According to Okafor, several reports from health experts, regulatory agencies, and media investigations indicate that some of these substances—commonly used for embalming corpses or in industrial processes—are now being applied to food items to extend their shelf life.
He warned that these chemicals pose severe health risks, including cancer, organ failure, and developmental disorders in children.
Citing data from the Nigerian Medical Association, the lawmaker noted that the growing consumption of such contaminated foods could lead to an increase in chronic illnesses among Nigerians.
He also revealed that some eateries use chemicals like Dimethylpolysiloxane, a silicone-based compound, and Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ), a highly toxic preservative, in preparing chicken and other meals.
Okafor accused certain regulatory bodies of negligence and complicity, stressing that weak enforcement, corruption, and poor public enlightenment have allowed the dangerous trend to continue unchecked despite previous government interventions.
He reminded the House that Nigeria’s Food Safety Bill (2023) empowers agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, and the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure that all food products meet safety standards.
However, he lamented that despite their statutory responsibilities, unsafe food preservation practices continue to threaten public health nationwide.
