The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has attributed the rising cases of illnesses such as kidney problems, liver schirosis, cancer, ulcer and high blood pressure to the consumption of expired and adulterated food products.
Speakers on various topics at a one- day interaction forum between NAFDAC and traders in Birnin Kebbi Tuesday, concurred that the trend was endemic which NAFDAC should bring to an end.
The coordinator, Kebbi state office, Mr. Muyideen Folorunsho Suleiman, made it clear that the functions of the agency entailed the protection of the health of the citizenry and not to take people out of business.
Consequently, it said it would carry out its mandate with efficiency and determination on all fronts against traders marketing expired, adulterated and re bagged products, as well as others operating illegally without NAFDAC registration or refusing to renew their licences.
Mr. Muyideen further spoke on storage of products, warning that operators of all stores where products and items were kept must adhere strictly to the provision of the law and hygiene of adequate ventilation, appropriate temperature and cleanliness.
Other officers who spoke at the forum were Mr. Benjamin Kusuma, Mallam Salihu Hussaini Auta, Ahmad Aliyu Aji, highlighting the dangers of expired products, usage of dangerous items such as saccharine as sweetener, bromide for ripening, viagra and other sex enhancing drugs, (Kayan Mata), as well as chemical spray on grains for longevity, which were dangerous to health.
The interactive session was attended by NAFDAC officials, leaders of market traders, women entrepreneurs as well as micro, small and medium scale entrepreneurs.
