Jide Ajia The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has raised the alarm over the sale of poisoned meat at the Mandate Cattle Market in Ilorin, Kwara State. In a report by the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the incident resulted in the death of several cattle at the market on Saturday, 20th April 2024. “There is a danger in consuming unwholesome meat and other food of animal origin, especially if contaminated with organophosphate,” the ministry stated.
It warned that meat for consumption should be purchased at registered, government/private approved abattoirs, slaughter slabs, and meat shops, adding that such must be certified wholesome and fit for consumption by a registered veterinarian. Meanwhile, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on Thursday, the ministry disclosed that the investigation revealed that the animals, especially cattle, had grazed on forage fumigated with an organophosphate chemical before the incident. It was further noted that the clinical signs observed were hypersalivation, weakness, and recumbency.
“On noticing this, the herders decided to slaughter seven of the very weakly affected animals for public consumption,” the ministry revealed. It highlighted the severe public health risks posed by this incident, adding, “The consequences may be very severe in the food chain.” “It is important to note, however, that there is a Rapid Resp.