Health

Stop Using Chemicals for Grain Preservation – NAFDAC, NOA Caution Farmers

Published

13 hours ago

Jan 14, 2025.

NAFDAC and NOA warn against using chemicals for grain preservation.
Chemical use harms health and the environment.
Farmers urged to adopt safer storage methods.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have issued a joint warning to farmers, urging them to avoid using chemicals for storing and preserving food grains.

The agencies highlighted the risks these chemicals pose to the health and well-being of Nigerians who rely on grains as staple foods.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that farmers in northern Nigeria often resort to chemical treatments for grain preservation due to a lack of modern storage facilities. Unfortunately, fatalities have occurred when unsuspecting families consumed grains preserved with chemicals.

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During a visit to Soro Grains Market in Bauchi’s Ganjuawa local government area, NOA’s Bauchi director, Mrs. Theresa Omaga, urged local grain dealers to adopt safer methods of preservation.

She emphasised that improper chemical use can not only harm human health but also lead to soil, water, and air contamination, damaging ecosystems and wildlife.

Mrs. Omaga stressed the importance of proper storage techniques to maintain crop quality, reduce spoilage, and ensure food safety. She encouraged farmers to prioritize healthier preservation methods.

NAFDAC’s state coordinator, Hamis Yahaya, also echoed these concerns, emphasizing NAFDAC’s responsibility to ensure that only certified, safe food and drugs are available for public consumption.