ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the alleged use of toxic chemicals to preserve frozen foods sold across Nigeria, following growing concerns from health experts and civil society groups.
The resolution was adopted Wednesday after Rep. Chike Okafor, who represents Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency in Imo State, raised a motion of urgent public importance during plenary.
Okafor cited reports from non-governmental organizations and regulatory bodies alleging that substances such as formalin, sodium hydroxide, sniper, kerosene, and carbide are being used to preserve frozen fish, meat, shrimp, and other perishable items. These chemicals, some of which are used for embalming corpses or industrial processes, pose serious health risks, including cancer, organ damage, and developmental disorders in children.
“The House is concerned that most frozen products imported into Nigeria are preserved using carcinogenic substances,” Okafor said. He also warned that some eateries use dangerous additives like Dimethylpolysiloxane and Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone, the latter being lethal in small doses.
He criticized regulatory agencies for weak enforcement and alleged complicity, noting that previous warnings and resolutions have failed to curb the illegal practice due to corruption and lack of public awareness.
With the passage of the motion, the House directed the Federal Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Food Security, along with NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and other relevant agencies to appear before an investigative committee.
The House also mandated its Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, NAFDAC, and Safety Standards to conduct a public hearing and report back within six legislative weeks.
Lawmakers said the investigation aims to protect public health and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s Food Safety Bill, 2023.
