By Citizenship Newspaper
The House of Representatives on Wednesday mandated its relevant committees to investigate the alleged use of dangerous chemicals such as formalin, sniper, and kerosene as preservatives in frozen foods and other consumable items sold across Nigeria.
This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Chike Okafor, who warned that the practice poses a grave threat to public health and called for urgent legislative action to strengthen food safety regulations in the country.
Okafor expressed deep concern over widespread reports suggesting that some food vendors and importers use harmful chemicals to extend the shelf life of frozen fish, poultry, and other perishables. He said such substances are known to cause cancer, organ failure, and other serious health complications when consumed.
“It is distressing that in the bid to preserve perishable food items for longer periods, some unscrupulous individuals have resorted to using toxic chemicals that are not only harmful but deadly,” Okafor stated. “This reckless practice is endangering lives and eroding public confidence in the safety of our food supply chain.”
The lawmaker noted that the alleged use of harmful preservatives compounds Nigeria’s already fragile food security situation, which is strained by poor agricultural practices, inadequate storage infrastructure, and the impact of climate change.
He further expressed alarm that agencies charged with safeguarding consumer health, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), have been accused of complicity or negligence, creating critical gaps in enforcement.
“The agencies responsible for protecting Nigerians from unsafe food practices appear to have fallen short of their mandates. This is unacceptable, and the House must ensure accountability and reform,” he added.
Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, NAFDAC, Healthcare Services, and Safety Standards and Regulations to investigate the allegations and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The resolution underscores growing concern over food safety in Nigeria amid reports of rising health complications linked to chemically preserved foods. The House vowed to ensure that those found culpable face appropriate sanctions and that regulatory agencies are strengthened to prevent future occurrences.
Okafor reiterated that protecting citizens from harmful food substances is both a constitutional duty and a moral obligation. “Food is life,” he said. “And no Nigerian should lose theirs because of negligence, greed, or regulatory failure.”
