The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated its warning to Nigerians about the dangers of using dichlorvos, commonly sold as Sniper for food preservation. The agency emphasized that this hazardous practice can lead to severe health consequences, including cancer and death.
In a statement issued by Sayo Akintola, Resident Media Consultant, and made available to Africa Health Report (AHR) on Sunday,NAFDAC addressed a viral video showing individuals using dangerous chemicals to preserve food items such as beans, stockfish, and crayfish.
NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, urged traders and merchants to stop using unauthorized chemicals on food.
Prof. Adeyeye stressed, “The misuse of dichlorvos poses significant risks to human health, manifesting in both short-term and long-term consequences.”
Dr. Rametu Momodu, Director of Veterinary Medicine and Applied Products (VMAP), explained that approved pesticides should be used according to the manufacturer’s specifications and not applied directly to food.
She warned that “consuming food contaminated with dichlorvos can cause dizziness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, and convulsions, and in some cases, can lead to coma and death.”
Prof. Adeyeye also highlighted the need for safer alternatives, such as bio-pesticides, for preserving food. She emphasized that NAFDAC is committed to ensuring food safety and adhering to global best practices.
“NAFDAC has banned the sale of small volume dichlorvos (100 ml or less) since 2019 and restricted the sale of larger volumes (one liter) to certified agrochemical outlets. The agency continues to conduct stakeholder sensitization meetings and thorough laboratory testing to ensure compliance with safety guidelines.
“The misuse of dichlorvos poses significant risks to human health, manifesting in both short-term and long-term consequences,”said Adeyeye,”
