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NOA holds sensitization campaign against use of dangerous chemicals in foodstuffs preservation in Jos

Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo said the campaign was necessary because the agency had, over time, observed that certain harmful chemicals are being misused in the preservation of food

It was a rewarding and fulfilling session when the National Orientation Agency (NOA), held a sensitization campaign against the use of dangerous chemicals in the preservation of foodstuffs in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The well attended event which held on Tuesday at the Jos South Old Secretariat, drew participants from the state Ministry of Agriculture, Directors of Agriculture from the 17 local government areas of the state, representatives from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Farmers Associations across the state, People Living With Disability (PWD), Market Associations, civil society, the media, as well as other stakeholders in the agriculture and food chain sector.

While declaring the event open, Director of NOA in the state, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, said the campaign was necessary because the agency had, over time, observed that certain harmful chemicals are being misused in the preservation of food which ultimately has devastating effects on the lives of Nigerians.

She noted that the practice poses severe health risks to consumers, including food poisoning, organ damage, reproductive issues, cancer, and even death, adding that the agency, as a responsible arm of government, was intentional about letting Nigerians know the dangers they are exposed to when they consume contaminated food items.

According to Mrs. Pam-Hworo, the “sensitisation campaign against the use of dangerous chemicals in the preservation of foodstuffs comes at a critical time when the health and safety of our citizens are increasingly at risk.”

Continuing, the NOA Director said:

“As we are all aware, food preservation is essential for ensuring that our produce remains fresh and consumable over time.

“However, it has come to our attention that certain harmful chemicals are being misused in the preservation of food.

“Substances such as formalin, dichlorvos, calcium carbide, and other hazardous chemicals, originally intended for industrial or agricultural use, are now being introduced into our food supply chain.

“This practice poses severe health risks to consumers, including food poisoning, organ damage, reproductive issues, cancer, and even death.

“It also undermines public trust in our food systems, threatening our economy and national health. We cannot afford to allow this trend to continue. Our collective well-being depends on the actions we take today.

“The National Orientation Agency, as part of its mandate, is committed to educating the public, traders, food processors, and other stakeholders about the dangers of these practices and promoting safer, alternative preservation methods.

“Through this campaign, we aim to:

“Create Awareness:
Inform the public about the health risks associated with using dangerous chemicals in food preservation.

“Encourage Safer Alternatives:
Advocate for the use of natural and approved preservatives that do not compromise human health.

“Collaborate with Relevant Authorities:
Work with regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC and SON to enforce strict compliance with food safety standards.

“Empower Communities: Equip citizens with knowledge and resources to identify and report unsafe practices in their communities.

“Some of the foodstuff being preserved with dangerous chemicals are daily staples in most Nigerian homes.

“Foodstuff such as maize, beans, rice, wheat, guinea corn, millet, yam, frozen fish and meat etc.To the traders and food handlers, I urge you to prioritize the health of your customers over short-term profits.

“To our consumers, I encourage you to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and insist on safe and quality food.

“To the regulatory bodies, let us redouble our efforts to enforce the laws against such harmful practices.

“As we embark on this sensitisation campaign, let us remember that safeguarding our food supply is a shared responsibility.

“Together, we can create a healthier, safer, and more prosperous nation.”

The Project Manager of the Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP), Mr. Ishaku Jilemsam who was the keynote speaker at the event, took time to educate the audience on the dangers of consuming food items preserved with dangerous chemicals.

Mr. Jilemsam cautioned Nigerians to be very observant when buying foodstuffs in open markets especially common items like maize, beans, rice, meat and grains as they could have been preserved with chemicals that could lead to health complications or even death.

He commended the state government for putting in place tangible measures aimed at curtailing such dangerous practices by traders and farmers whose ultimate aim is to maximize profits at the detriment of fellow citizens.

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