ASSOCIATION WARNS AGAINST USE OF CEMENT, CHEMICALS IN FOOD PRESERVATION

ASSOCIATION WARNS AGAINST USE OF CEMENT, CHEMICALS IN FOOD PRESERVATION


The Organic Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (OFPAN) has warned farmers and food handlers against the use of cement and other hazardous chemicals in food preservation, describing the practice as dangerous to human health.

The association urged farmers to embrace organic farming and safe food storage methods to protect consumers and improve the quality of Nigerian agricultural produce.

The President of OFPAN, Alhaji Adams Musa, issued the warning in an interview on Friday in Abuja, reacting to a viral video showing cement being used to preserve beans.

Musa described the practice as highly unsafe, warning that substances such as cement, calcium carbide and other industrial chemicals pose serious health risks, including cancer, organ failure and acute poisoning.

According to him, cement is strictly a construction material and contains toxic compounds that are not suitable for human consumption.

“Cement contains corrosive and abrasive chemicals, including alkaline substances such as lime. Even in small quantities, it can cause chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach,” Musa said.

He explained that ingestion of cement could lead to severe stomach damage, poisoning and, in extreme cases, hardening of the substance in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in fatal blockage.

Musa further noted that the continued use of harmful preservation methods has contributed to the rejection of Nigerian agricultural produce in international markets.

The OFPAN president urged farmers and food merchants to desist from practices that compromise soil quality and endanger public health, stressing that organic farming offers safer and more sustainable alternatives.

He said organic farming reduces dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides and eliminates the need for dangerous substances such as cement and carbide in food preservation.

“Organic farming improves soil health, boosts food production and protects grains from pests using organic soil enhancers and fertilisers designed for specific crops,” he added.

Musa also called on the government and relevant stakeholders to intensify public sensitisation and farmer education on safe farming and food preservation practices.

He suggested the organisation of workshops and awareness programmes to educate farmers on the health and economic consequences of unsafe preservation methods.

According to him, many individuals engage in such practices due to ignorance, adding that sustained awareness campaigns would significantly reduce the trend.

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