The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has once again issued a stern warning to Nigerians regarding the hazardous practice of using dangerous chemicals to preserve food items in Nigeria, saying it can cause cancer and death.
The agency stated the dangers associated with dichlorvos, otherwise known as sniper, a chemical commonly utilised by traders to safeguard food from spoilage.
This was contained in a statement by the director general of the agency, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, Sunday.
The statement said the sale of small volume dichlorvos (100 ml or less), sold as sniper has been banned since 2019 while the sale of the large volume (one litre) is limited to certified agrochemicals outlets.
She added that the NAFDAC underscores the toxicity of dichlorvos to human health, cautioning that its use can have fatal consequences.
She said in response to a viral video showing individuals using dangerous chemicals to preserve food items like beans, stockfish, and crayfish, NAFDAC urges traders and merchants to desist from using unauthorised chemicals on food meant for human consumption.
“The misuse of dichlorvos poses significant risks to human health, manifesting in both short-term and long-term consequences. “Long-term exposure can result in severe health implications, including developmental abnormalities in offspring, memory loss, reduced fertility, and potential carcinogenic effects,” Adeyeye said.