By George George Idowu
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians about the hazardous practice of using dangerous chemicals, specifically dichlorvos popularly called “sniper”, to preserve food items.
NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye emphasized this in a press statement on Sunday.
She said that the sale of small volume dichlorvos (100 ml or less), commonly sold as Sniper®, has been banned since 2019, and larger volumes (one litre) are restricted to certified agrochemical outlets.
Adeyeye highlighted the severe health risks associated with dichlorvos, including potential fatal consequences.
Hence, in response to a viral video showing the use of harmful chemicals on food items like beans, stockfish, and crayfish, Adeyeye urged traders to stop using unauthorized chemicals on consumable goods.
She detailed the long-term health implications of dichlorvos exposure, such as developmental abnormalities, memory loss, reduced fertility, and cancer risks. She, however, advocated for the use of safer alternatives like bio-pesticides
According to her, NAFDAC has implemented initiatives to curb the misuse of dichlorvos, which include stakeholder sensitization meetings, thorough laboratory testing, and routine monitoring to ensure compliance with safety guidelines.
In her words: “The agency is committed to phasing out toxic pesticides and promoting safer alternatives despite the challenges faced by farmers.”
Dr. Rametu Momodu, Director of Veterinary Medicine and Applied Products (VMAP), reinforced that using pesticides directly on food is not approved.
She warned that pesticide residues remain on food, posing serious health risks that washing can not mitigate.
Momodu advised consumers to avoid purchasing from vendors using such practices and report them to NAFDAC for sanctions.
