By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has charged against the wanton contamination of foods by vendors for profit purposes.
The Commission expressed this during a one-day sensitization campaign on “Food Quality Standards, Safety, Regulation, and Fair business” which held on Thursday in Jos.
Our correspondent reports that calcium carbide, bromate, sudan red colorant, sniper, and formalin are among several toxic chemicals being used for food processing.
Calcium carbide which is commonly used as ripening agents contains traces of arsenic and phosphorous which is extremely hazardous to human health, can affect the neurological system by inducing prolonged hypoxia among other diseases.
Mr Olatunji Bello the Vice Chairman of FCCPC who was represented by Dr Nkechi MBA while stressing the dangers of food adulteration to health noted that access to safe, unadulterated and nutritious food is a fundamental human right which should not be violated.
The commission therefore urged food industry stakeholders and the public to be sure to adhere to safety and healthy processing methods for food preservation.
“We urge you to abstain from the use of harmful substances in food processing, Observe hygiene and safety protocols at every stage of your operations.
“Label and package food correctly, in line with national and international standards.
“Respect consumer rights and refrain from deceptive or unfair business, let it be known that any operator who places profit over public safety will face the full wrath of the law” he stressed.
Bello who further charged food industry stakeholders that the future of their food businesses depends largely on integrity, urged them to see food safety and quality as not only a legal obligation but a moral duty.
For her part, Mrs Evelyn Eofi, the NAFDAC’s Assistant Chief Laboratory Technologist while also highlighting the dangers of chemicals used for food ripening noted that Calcium Carbide has reportedly been a major source of cancer which the public needs to be aware of.
Eofi charged consumers to be extra vigilant and not leave matters concerning their safety to NAFDAC alone, she further called on government to provide test strips for officials to use in tracking or identifying adulterated products.
Some participants present at the event expressed delight at the sensitization noting that most people are ignorant and use those chemicals without knowing the extent of damage it could cause to humans.
Alhaji Ismaila Jibia, the Chairman Plateau state traders Association Jos North said they are not aware that the use of such products can cause health challenges they would not have been involved as it also poses a direct threat to their immediate families as well.
He therefore urged government to do more on sensitization as a lot of people are ignorant of the dangers of such chemicals.
