NOA Warns Against Chemical Use in Food Preservation, Cites Health Risks
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kano State, has raised the alarm over the rising use of harmful chemicals in food preservation, warning that it poses severe health risks, including kidney disease, hypertension, and other life-threatening illnesses.
Speaking at a public awareness campaign at Dawanau Grains Market, the Acting State Director of NOA, Alhaji Rabiu Ado, urged fruit, grain, and vegetable sellers to immediately discontinue the practice of using chemicals to extend the shelf life of food products.
NAFDAC Sounds Alarm on Calcium Carbonate Usage
Joining the campaign, the Assistant Director of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Kano, Danladi Abba, specifically warned against the use of calcium carbonate in food preservation.
“Calcium carbonate is strictly approved for use by welders in melting iron for doors and vehicles. Its application in food preservation is extremely dangerous and must be stopped immediately,” Abba emphasized.
To curb this practice, NAFDAC will begin monitoring welders who purchase calcium carbonate to prevent its illegal sale to fruit and grain sellers.
“Anyone caught violating this rule will face legal consequences,” he warned.
Fruit Sellers and Market Leaders Respond
The Secretary of the Nigerian Fruits Sellers Association, Adam Muhammed, and the Chairman of the Dawanau Grains Market Association, Muttaqa Isah, pledged their commitment to ensuring food safety.
“We have established a task force to monitor grain preservation during fumigation and promote hygienic preservation methods,” they stated.
Stakeholders Push for Safer Food Practices
The campaign also received backing from other key agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and environmental health officials, all advocating for safer food storage techniques to protect public health.
With the government and regulatory bodies stepping up monitoring and enforcement, the fight against toxic food preservation methods is gaining momentum in Kano State.