The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says food vendors are applying poisonous chemicals for preservation.
The Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye revealed that formalin, used to preserve dead bodies, is one of the substances being used.
Adeyeye raised the alarm on Tuesday at a public enlightenment campaign in Bauchi.
The DG warned that the misuse of chemicals causes major health challenges and death.
Adeyeye vowed that anyone arrested would face the full wrath of the law.
Represented by Fori Tatami, NAFDAC Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Adeyeye also disclosed that Sniper is used to preserve kilishi in some parts of the country.
“Sniper is being misused by most Nigerians. If it dries with the kilishi, it can kill the consumer.”
The agency also announced the discovery of kerosene/fuel tankers conveying groundnut oil to markets.
“Such vegetable oil becomes contaminated and the moment people buy and use it, they will start experience serious illness and diseases,” Adeyey warned.
NAFDAC appealed to Nigerians to stop patronising drug hawkers and avoid meat that doesn’t attract flies.
“Such meats are possibly laced with dangerous chemicals that chases flies away, so Nigerians must be wary,” he cautioned.
The agency further cautioned citizens about red palm oil, explaining that some traders add a dangerous chemical ‘azo dye’ to make it reddish and appealing.
