By Nicholas Dechi
The Benue State House of Assembly has called on the state government to urgently ban the use of toxic chemicals in food storage, citing growing health risks to residents across the state.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Mr Samuel Matu (APC/Kwande West) during plenary in Makurdi.
Matu expressed deep concern over the increasing use of harmful substances by farmers and traders to preserve food and extend shelf life.
The lawmaker noted that the use of dangerous chemicals in food storage had contributed to numerous health challenges affecting families within and beyond Benue.
He further lamented that some farmers and business operators prioritise profit over public health by resorting to unsafe preservation methods.
Matu specifically identified chemicals such as potassium bromate, sodium sulphite, Sniper, propyl gallate, and sodium benzoate as substances of concern.
The legislator warned that the continued use of the chemicals could worsen the health status of citizens and negatively impact the state’s economy.
He stressed that failure to urgently address the situation could pose a significant public health threat, calling for immediate government intervention.
The motion was seconded by Dr Elias Audu (APC/Gwer East), who said that food consumed by many Nigerians was increasingly laden with chemicals at every stage from land preparation to harvesting and storage.
Also contributing, Dr Matthew Damkor (APC/Tiev) backed the motion but raised concerns about effective implementation.
He called for the introduction of stiffer penalties to deter offenders and ensure compliance.
Ruling, the Speaker of the House, Mr Alfred Emberga, urged the Ministry of Health and Human Services, alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, to embark on aggressive public awareness campaigns.
Emberga said the campaign would educate citizens on the dangers of consuming chemically preserved foods.
The speaker also called for the prosecution of offenders found culpable of using toxic substances in food storage.
He directed the House Committee on Food Security and Nutrition to liaise with the relevant ministries to ensure strict compliance with established safety standards.
He encouraged farmers and food vendors to adopt safer, natural preservation methods, including proper ventilation, refrigeration, and the use of organic pesticides.
He then directed the clerk, Dr Bem Mela, to communicate the resolutions of the assembly to the commissioners for health and agriculture for immediate enforcement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Josephine Obute and Peter Amine
