NAFDAC lists foodstuff vendors mix with Azo dye, Sniper, embalming liquid, others

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has warned Nigerian consumers and food vendors to watch what they eat and sell.

Different kinds of foodstuff have now being identified to be laced with chemicals like formalin (for embalming), Snipers, (for pest control), and dye for preservation and appeal.

NAFDAC boss Professor Mojisola Adeyeye disclosed during a public enlightenment campaign the agency flagged off in Bauchi State on August 24.

She cautioned that the misuse of chemicals on food products can lead to many serious diseases and death.

Represented by Fori Tatami, NAFDAC’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Adeyey also revealed that Sniper, a brand of poisonous chemical, is also being used to preserve Kilishi (a dried form of suya, made from deboned cow, sheep or goat meat) by food sellers in some parts of the country.

“Sniper is being misused by most Nigerians. If it dries with the Kilishi, it can kill the consumer,” she warned

According to her, butchers selling in open places yet their meat is free of flies might have added chemical to chase the flies away.

She said Nigerians should also be wary of red palm oil as traders add a dangerous chemical called ‘Azo dye’ to make it reddish and appealing.

The D-G said the public enlightenment was to make Nigerians aware of the development and be willing to give information of such practices to NAFDAC in order to arrest and prosecute suspects.

“We should not allow people to put chemicals into the products that we consume. We need to be careful and enlighten our people,” she said