The hidden dangers of chemical-ripened foods demand attention and action. Consumers should be educated about the risks and empowered to make informed choices, just as policymakers and regulators need to strengthen oversight and enforcement to protect public health. This will create a safer and healthier food system that prioritises the well-being of all Nigerians, BLESSING OKOLA writes.
There use of chemicals to ripen and preserve food is widespread trend in our society today. This practice, driven by economic pressures and lack of awareness, poses significant health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
The use of chemicals in food production is not just a matter of individual vendors; it reflects broader systemic issues.
Regulatory frameworks are often inadequate or poorly enforced thereby allowing the dangerous practices to flourish. Consumers, unaware of the risks, continue to purchase and consume chemically treated foods, which can lead to suffering long-term health consequences.
Fruits like mangoes, bananas and tomatoes are often treated with calcium carbide, a potent chemical that accelerates ripening. Meat and fish vendors sometimes use dichlorvos (sniper), an insecticide that can prevent spoilage but also poses serious health risks. These chemicals are not only harmful when ingested but can also cause respiratory problems and other health issues when inhaled.
In an interview with Emeka Anne, a meat seller at Wuse Market, he said they have never used chemicals to preserve their meat; instead, they use ice blocks, which costs around ₦1,000 to ₦1,200. However, these blocks have limitations.
He however noted that the ice blocks can be problematic. He said “We desperately need a cold room or freezer to store meat properly. This will not only help us maintain the quality of our products but also eliminate the need for chemicals.
“Unfortunately, we currently lack access to such facilities”.
He urged the government to consider providing them with a cold room, which would help their business and ensure the safety of their meat.
According to him, “This will help us avoid using chemicals and prevent our meat from spoiling. Unfortunately, we currently don’t have access to a cold room, and the ice blocks can be unreliable. If the government can provide us with a cold room, it would greatly benefit our business and ensure the quality of our meat.”
In a separate interview with a customer at Wuse Market, Eunice, she expressed concerns about the negative effects of chemical preservation on fruits, vegetables and other foods.
She said “These chemicals aren’t good for our health. In my mother’s time, we didn’t know much about chemicals and they lived longer. My mother lived to be 100 years old, strong and healthy until the end. Nowadays, even children are suffering from kidney failure.
“I have a niece who had kidney problems and I’m worried about the causes. I used to think it was just sugary drinks, but I believe chemical preservation plays a significant role too. I’ve heard that bleaching foods can contribute to kidney issues. One of my husband’s colleagues is struggling with kidney failure. It’s a wake-up call. We need to be mindful of what we eat and strive for a healthier lifestyle.”
Paulicap Kabumbang who also went to Wuse Market to patronise fruits sellers warned against buying fruits ripened with chemicals known as ‘carbide’. It’s a serious health risk.
He said many fruits in the market are treated with these chemicals, making it difficult to find safe options. He urged Nigerians to be cautious and mindful of the fruits they consume. He noted that “we need to prioritise our health and demand safe and genuine food.
“I hope this message will reach the relevant authorities, and we’ll take action to protect public health”.
Speaking with our correspondent, Ometa Reheal, a director from the department of Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) said the agency recently collected beans samples from Wuse, Karishi, and Karu markets and detected six chemicals, including the banned substance of DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane).
She said while some chemicals might be used during cultivation, the levels found in these beans far exceed safe limits. This excessive chemical use has been linked to serious health issues, including various cancers.
According to her, “we decided to come to Wuse Market, one of Abuja’s largest markets, to discuss and sensitise traders and customers the alarming findings of a recent assessment on chemical use in beans”.
Reheal noted that despite regulatory bans, our research reveals that some producers and sellers still employ hazardous chemicals.
“Our goal is to inform consumers about the risks and encourage them to take precautions. We recommend thoroughly washing, cleaning, boiling, and discarding the water before cooking beans to minimize exposure to these chemicals.
“By raising awareness, we aim to empower consumers to protect their health”, she said.
Earlier, Rotary D9127 Clubs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in partnership with the AEPB also took sensitisation to Wuse Market about the dangers of chemical preservation of beans.
Speaking during the sensitisation tagged Say No to Chemical Preservation of Beans, Rotarian Rabi Mohammed, President of RC Abuja Urban and President of Presidents of Rotary Clubs in the FCT, 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, which is 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 to raise awareness about the importance of safe food preservation practices. Our goal is to promote healthier alternatives and encourage individuals to be mindful of what they eat”, she said.
According to her, “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. We’re also providing alternative solutions, such as reusable bags, to help individuals transition to safer preservation methods.”
She noted that Rotary in the Federal Capital Territory has taken steps to address this issue, emphasising the need to stop the indiscriminate use of chemicals in agricultural produce preservation and storage.
She said Rotary Clubs and AEPB are working together to promote healthy practices and provide alternative solutions. This partnership is part of a broader initiative to create a better environment by raising awareness about the risks of chemical preservation and promoting safer alternatives.
Also, the Director of AEPB who was represented by the head of department, EHTS, Madam Kate Ogbonna, said a collaborative effort was 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. Chemical preservatives have been linked to serious health issues, including food poisoning, numbness, cancer, heart attacks and the rest of them.
“We encourage community members to work together to create a safer and healthier environment, by providing necessary information and promoting informed choices, the goal is to empower individuals to prioritize their health and well-being”.
She informed that AEPB is a regulatory body established to protect and manage the FCT environment, and their role in this initiative aligns with their mandate to raise public awareness and promote sustainable environmental practices.
The Project Director of the Rotary Clubs in the FCT, Rotarian Oro-ghene Adia said Rotary Club and AEPB have launched an initiative to educate the public about the dangers of chemical food preservation, particularly in markets like Wuse Market, a bustling commercial hub in Abuja’s Central Business District.
“This campaign aims to promote healthier alternatives and raise awareness about the risks associated with chemical preservatives”, he said.
He said chemicals used in food preservation have been linked to serious health issues. Therefore, instead of using the chemicals, individuals can opt for safer methods such as storing food in airtight bags or containers to prevent contamination and reduce health risks; ensure food is stored in a dry, cool place to minimise the need for chemical preservatives and freeze food to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.
He said over 40 Rotary Clubs in the FCT and AEPB are working together to sensitise, empower consumers, buyers, and sellers with the knowledge to make informed choices about food preservation and prioritise their health and well-being.