The leadership of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, kakalistiq.com reports, has thrown its weight behind a critical public health motion sponsored by the lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency, Wale Raji, as lawmakers called for an urgent investigation into the possible contamination of food processed with locally fabricated grinding machines.
The motion, which was successfully moved and adopted during plenary yesterday, drew strong support from the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who described the issue as both urgent and far-reaching.
Reacting on the floor of the Green Chamber, the Deputy Speaker stated:
“This motion is a very timely motion. I must commend you for bringing this motion, it affects the rest of us and I think something urgent needs to be done about it. So it is referred to committee on health services, industry, science and technology and commerce for a joint investigation into this very topical issue.”
Following the adoption, the House directed its Committees on Health Care Services, Science and Technology, and Commerce to conduct a joint investigation into the alleged contamination of food by locally fabricated grinding machines widely used across markets and food processing centres in the country.
Presenting the motion earlier, Rep. Raji raised alarm over growing concerns that some locally fabricated machines used in processing staple food ingredients such as tomatoes, peppers, onions and melon seeds may be releasing harmful heavy metals into food.
According to findings referenced in the motion, substances such as lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel could be released during the grinding process: elements known to pose serious health risks including organ failure and cardiovascular diseases.
Rep. Raji cited concerns raised by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), whose Director-General, Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, reportedly warned that foods processed with some locally manufactured grinding machines may contain traces of heavy metals including lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium and manganese.
Disturbingly, some of these contaminants are said to exceed safety limits recommended by global health authorities such as the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The Epe lawmaker stressed that heavy metals can accumulate in the human body over time, potentially triggering serious health complications such as kidney failure, liver damage, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases and even increased cancer risks.
Given the widespread use of locally fabricated grinding machines in markets and neighbourhood food processing centres across Nigeria, he warned that millions of Nigerians could unknowingly be exposed to toxic contaminants through their daily meals.
Rep. Raji therefore urged the House to mandate a comprehensive investigation into the quality control, regulation and certification of locally fabricated food processing equipment in order to protect public health and prevent avoidable health crises.
With the motion now adopted, the House is expected to commence a detailed probe aimed at safeguarding food safety standards and protecting Nigerians from potential long-term health hazards.
