The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has once again issued a stern warning to Nigerians regarding the hazardous practice of using dangerous chemicals to preserve food items. This is contained in a statement issued by the NAFDAC Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola on Sunday, June 2 in Abuja. Specifically, the agency has emphasised the dangers associated with dichlorvos, a chemical commonly utilised by traders to safeguard food from spoilage.
The sale of small volume dichlorvos (100 ml or less), sold as Sniper® has been banned since 2019 while the sale of the large volume (one litre) is limited to certified agrochemicals outlets. NAFDAC underscores the toxicity of dichlorvos to human health, cautioning that its use can have fatal consequences. In response to a viral video showing individuals using dangerous chemicals to preserve food items like beans, stockfish, and crayfish, the Director General, Prof.
Mojisola Adeyeye, urged traders and merchants to desist from using unauthorized chemicals on food meant for human consumption. The misuse of dichlorvos poses significant risks to human health, manifesting in both short-term and long-term consequences. Long-term exposure can result in severe health implications, including developmental abnormalities in offspring, memory loss, reduced fertility, and potential carcinogenic effects.
“These adverse effects highlight the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to mitigate the risks asso.
