By Atoyebi Nike
The House of Representatives has summoned the Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Food Security, alongside key regulatory agencies, to explain measures taken to curb the alleged use of dangerous chemicals in food preservation across the country.
The directive, issued during Tuesday’s plenary, followed a resolution to investigate reports that toxic substances are being used as preservatives in frozen foods sold in Nigerian markets. Agencies expected to appear include the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), and other relevant bodies.
The investigation will be jointly conducted by the Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, NAFDAC, Safety Standards, and Agriculture, which are to submit their findings within four legislative weeks.
The motion, sponsored by Hon. Chike Okafor, expressed concern over the reported use of harmful chemicals such as formalin, sodium hydroxide, carbide, sniper, and kerosene to preserve frozen fish, meat, prawns, and other perishables.
Okafor cited findings from health experts, regulatory bodies, and media investigations showing that substances typically used for embalming corpses or industrial purposes are now being applied to food products to extend their shelf life.
He warned that such chemicals pose serious health hazards, including cancer, organ damage, and developmental disorders in children. Data from the Nigerian Medical Association, he added, suggest that consumption of contaminated foods could worsen chronic illnesses nationwide.
The lawmaker also revealed that some eateries reportedly use Dimethylpolysiloxane a silicone-based compound and Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ), a highly toxic preservative, in cooking chicken and other meals.
Okafor accused some regulatory agencies of negligence and complicity, citing weak enforcement, corruption, and inadequate public awareness as reasons the practice persists despite existing laws.
He reminded lawmakers that the Food Safety Bill (2023) empowers agencies like NAFDAC, SON, and the Ministry of Health to enforce safety standards but lamented that poor compliance continues to endanger millions of Nigerians.
