The Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Food Security, NAFDAC, and SON have some questions to answer as the House raises alarm over harmful substances allegedly used in preserving frozen foods
The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, NAFDAC, and Safety Standards to investigate the alleged use of harmful and carcinogenic chemicals to preserve frozen foods in Nigeria.
The resolution followed a motion moved on Tuesday by Rep. Chike John Okafor (APC Imo).
Presenting the motion titled “Need to Investigate the Alleged Use of Harmful Chemicals as Preservatives for Frozen Foods in Nigeria,” Rep. Okafor raised alarm over reports that substances such as formalin, sodium hydroxide, sniper, kerosene, and carbide normally used for embalming corpses, industrial processes, and ripening fruits—were being used by traders and importers to extend the shelf life of perishable foods like fish, prawns, shrimp, and meat.
He described the situation as “a clear danger to the health and wellness of millions of our citizens,” lamenting that the harmful practice had continued despite repeated warnings from regulatory agencies.
“Mr. Speaker, available reports from regulatory bodies, health experts, and media investigations reveal that chemicals commonly used for embalming corpses, industrial processes, and ripening fruits are now being used to prolong the shelf life of perishable foods,” Rep. Okafor said.
“These chemicals pose serious health risks to consumers, including the potential for developmental disorders such as autism in children, cancer, organ damage, and other life-threatening conditions, as documented by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).”
The lawmaker cited the 2019 alert by NAFDAC on the use of formalin in fish and meat, as well as a 2022 study by the University of Ibadan which found dangerous levels of pesticide residues in frozen foods.
“Despite these worrisome past reports, the practice persists,” he warned. “We are now facing what can only be described as the systematic poisoning of our populace.”
Okafor expressed concern that many frozen food products imported into Nigeria were preserved with carcinogenic substances, while some eateries used dimethylpolysiloxane—a silicon-based polymer used in lubricants and de-foamers—and Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ), a deadly chemical preservative.
“Just five grams of TBHQ can kill a human being,” he noted. “There is a dangerous development today that a huge number of young men and women in Nigeria are suffering from liver damage and kidney failure, and the number of children suffering from autism is rising—the cause of these is not far-fetched.”
The House expressed worry that relevant regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministry of Health had allegedly failed to enforce existing safety regulations effectively.
“Despite previous resolutions and warnings, the illegal practice persists due to weak enforcement, corruption, and lack of public awareness,” Rep. Okafor lamented.
Following deliberation, the House mandated its Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, NAFDAC, and Safety Standards to conduct an investigative hearing on the alleged use of harmful chemicals as preservatives in frozen foods and report back within six legislative weeks.
It also called on the Federal Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Food Security, NAFDAC, and SON to appear before the investigative committee to provide updates on their efforts to curb the dangerous trend.
