The Rotary D9127 Clubs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have partnered with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to sensitise traders and consumers at the Wuse Market about the dangers of chemical preservation of beans.
Speaking during the sensitisation tagged “Say No to Chemical Preservation of Beans”, President of RC Abuja Urban and President of Presidents of Rotary Clubs in the FCT, Rotarian Rabi Mohammed, representing the District Governor of D9127, Rotarian Mike Nwanoshiri, said the initiative aims to educate the public on safer food preservation practices and reduce health risks associated with chemical preservatives.
“Our initiative, part of Rotary’s 2024-2025 projects, aims to educate the public about the dangers of chemical food preservation. We’ve found that chemicals used in preserving food can lead to serious health issues, including kidney and liver problems, and even cancer.
“As environment is one of Rotary’s key areas of focus, we’re collaborating with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEDB) to raise awareness about the importance of safe food preservation practices.
“We’re exploring ways to reduce chemical use in food preservation and are considering advocating for a ban on harmful chemicals. The Abuja Environmental Protection Board will play a crucial role in enforcing regulations and sanctions”, Mohammed said.
Also, the Director of AEDB who was represented by the head of department, EHTS, AEPB, Kate Ogbonna, said a collaborative effort is underway to educate the community on the importance of safe food preservation practices.
She said “This aims to promote healthy practices and prevent unnecessary deaths by highlighting the risks associated with chemical preservatives”.
According to her, chemical preservatives have been linked to serious health issues, including food poisoning, numbness, cancer, heart attacks and the rest of them.
The Project Director of the Rotary Clubs in the FCT, Rotarian Oro-ghene Adia, said Rotary Club and AEDB added that they launched the initiative to educate the public about the dangers of chemical food preservation.