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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives has ordered a probe into the alleged use of dangerous chemicals, including substances meant for corpse embalming, formalin, sodium hydroxide, sniper, and kerosene, for the preservation of frozen foods across Nigeria.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Hon. Chike Okafor, representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, during plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the motion, Okafor drew attention to widespread public concern over reports that harmful industrial chemicals such as formalin, sodium hydroxide, sniper, kerosene, and carbide are being used to preserve frozen fish, prawns, shrimps, meat, and other food products sold in Nigerian markets.
He cited findings from regulatory authorities, medical experts, and media investigations, which revealed that these substances, originally designed for embalming corpses and other industrial applications, are now being used to extend the shelf life of perishable foods.
According to Okafor, these practices expose consumers to severe health risks, including cancer, organ damage, and developmental disorders such as autism in children, as documented by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The lawmaker lamented that many imported frozen foods are preserved with carcinogenic agents known to cause cancer.
“Some eateries have also been reported to use hazardous materials like Dimethylpolysiloxane, a silicone-based compound used in lubricants and defoamers, in preparing chicken,” Okafor said. “Others use Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ), a chemical preservative so toxic that five grams could kill a human being.”
He expressed dismay over what he described as the complacency and negligence of relevant regulatory agencies, which have allegedly allowed the illegal use of these chemicals to persist despite previous legislative resolutions and public warnings.
“Despite the provisions of Nigeria’s Food Safety Bill (2023) and the mandates of NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministry of Health to protect citizens, enforcement has remained weak. The situation is like having ‘water everywhere but none to drink,’ while Nigerians continue to die silently from toxic food preservatives,” he lamented.
Following the debate, the House mandated its relevant committees to carry out a thorough investigation into the alleged use of toxic substances in frozen food preservation and the importation of food items treated with carcinogenic chemicals. The committees are to report back within six weeks.
The lawmakers also summoned the Federal Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Food Security, NAFDAC, SON, and other concerned agencies to appear before the investigative panel and present details of their efforts to tackle the menace.