By Abdullahi Lukman
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a critical warning regarding the consumption of street food, linking it to an estimated 200,000 annual deaths from food poisoning in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by Professor Stella Smith, Director of Research at NIMR. She also revealed that foodborne pathogens found in these readily available meals are a major contributor to this staggering statistic.
Speaking at a recent media forum, Smith raised alarms about the significant health risks posed by the increasing reliance of Nigerians—especially urban dwellers—on street food vendors. She emphasized the dangers associated with consuming food from roadside vendors, particularly as the rainy season approaches, a time that heightens the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera.
According to Smith, the practice of purchasing food from street vendors is particularly widespread among low- and middle-income earners in cities like Lagos. Many working-class individuals, especially those commuting from distant areas such as Ikorodu, Epe, and even farther regions like Ibafo and Sango Ota in Ogun State, often have no choice but to buy ready-to-eat meals from vendors.
These residents, who leave their homes early in the morning and return late at night due to heavy traffic congestion, find street food to be a more affordable and convenient option than preparing meals at home.
Smith pointed out that nearly 50% of urban dwellers regularly purchase foods such as fried akara, moimoin, rice, smoked fish, and panla from street vendors.
However, she cautioned that these foods are often contaminated with harmful pathogens, including Salmonella typhi, the bacterium responsible for gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu.
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Smith stressed that if not treated promptly, such infections can lead to severe illness and, in some cases, death.
Through a study conducted by her team at NIMR, Smith revealed alarming findings about the health risks associated with street food consumption. The research showed that many of these foods are prepared under unhygienic conditions, with vendors sometimes lacking basic facilities such as access to clean water or proper sanitation.
“The convenience of street food comes with serious health consequences,” Smith warned. “If stomach flu is not treated properly and in time, it can lead to dehydration and severe health complications that can be fatal, especially among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.”
Smith urged the Lagos State Government and other local authorities to strengthen regulations and monitoring of street food vendors. She emphasized the need for stricter hygiene standards, particularly for vendors who operate without fixed locations, making it difficult for health inspectors to monitor their practices.
She also called for increased public awareness regarding the importance of food safety and hygiene in preventing foodborne diseases.
Professor Oladapo Obafunwa, the Director-General of NIMR, also spoke at the forum, outlining the institute’s broader mission to promote healthier lifestyles and improve public health outcomes. Obafunwa explained that the monthly media forum is part of NIMR’s efforts to educate the public about health issues and to encourage healthier food choices, especially in urban areas where access to affordable, safe food is often a challenge.
As the rainy season continues, the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera increases, making it even more critical for the public to be vigilant about food safety. NIMR’s research and public education initiatives aim to reduce the prevalence of foodborne illnesses and help Nigerians make safer food choices.
Smith’s call to action is a reminder that while street food may offer convenience and affordability, the potential health risks should not be overlooked. With better regulation and improved hygiene practices, the safety of street food could be significantly enhanced, reducing the health burden it currently poses to the public.
