From Anambra to Nasarawa, from Kwara to Kogi, from Lagos to Taraba, from Ekiti to Edo, from Akwa Ibom to Benue, and from Sokoto to Kano, Food poisonings is real. Almost in every part of the country cases of suspected food poisonings are reported. Families are despatched to their early graves after supposedly sumptuous meals. And going by our findings recently, the phenomenon of food poisoning has claimed 43 lives in just two weeks across Nigerian states. Seemingly, a new death in the country, multiple cases of suspected food poisoning abound. In many under served areas of the country records of those lying critically ill in the clinics from food poisonings are hardly kept or known. Against this backdrop, Juliet Jacob analyses the disturbing threats of food poisoning, raising serious concerns among Nigerians.
The Essence of Food for Life
Food is the cornerstone of life, providing the essential nutrients our bodies need to function, grow, and heal. The adage, “You are what you eat,” holds literal truth as the nutrients from food form the foundation of every cell in our body, from our skin and hair to our muscles, bones, and immune system. Despite this, the alarming rise in foodborne diseases in Nigeria highlights a critical threat to public health, largely due to food contamination and unsafe preservation practices.
The Global Perspective: Foodborne Diseases and Their Impact
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), foodborne diseases pose a significant global health challenge, with over 200 diseases linked to contaminated food. This contamination, caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances, leads to severe socioeconomic impacts, including strains on healthcare systems, reduced productivity, and losses in tourism and trade. Globally, an estimated 600 million people fall ill each year from eating contaminated food, resulting in 420,000 deaths and a loss of 33 million healthy life years (DALYs).
Food Safety Concerns in Nigeria
The recent surge in food poisoning cases across Nigeria has raised serious concerns about the safety of food supplies. In states like Sokoto, Kano, Kogi, Anambra, Nasarawa, and Kwara, over 43 deaths have been linked to suspected food poisoning in just the past few weeks. The common thread in these incidents is the use of toxic chemicals, often pesticides, in food preservation. For instance, Mrs. Cecilia Amos, a beans seller in Abuja, revealed to Africa Health Report (AHR) that she uses a pesticide known as “Bomb” (a tablet form of the popular Sniper pesticide) to preserve her beans. This alarming practice highlights the dangers posed by the indiscriminate use of chemicals in food storage.
“After buying a bag of beans, I also buy a new empty bag for storing the beans. Then, I buy a chemical that is called Bomb, which is also used in killing insects in the house,” narrated Mrs. Amos.
The Deadly Consequences of Unsafe Food Practices
In recent weeks, a disturbing pattern of fatal food poisoning cases has emerged across several states in Nigeria, raising concerns about food safety and public health. The tragedies span across Sokoto, Kano, Kogi, Anambra, Nasarawa, and Kwara states, claiming the lives of multiple families and sparking fear in affected communities.
Tragedy Strikes in Kwara
In Kwara State, two separate incidents have shocked the residents of Ilorin. Last week, in Eruda community, Ilorin West Local Government Area, a 70-year-old woman, her 34-year-old son, and two grandchildren tragically died after consuming a meal of yam flour, commonly known as amala. The cause of death is suspected to be chemical food poisoning, potentially linked to under-processed cassava used in the preparation of the meal.
Just days later, a similar tragedy unfolded in Oshin community, Asa Dam area of Ilorin. A housewife and her three young children, all under 10 years old, died after eating a rice meal. The father of the family remains in critical condition at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
Anambra’s Grim Reality
Earlier this month, in Abubor Nnewichi community, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, four children and their mother were confirmed dead after consuming a meal suspected to have been poisoned. The sudden deaths have left the community reeling, with investigations ongoing to determine the exact cause.
Sokoto’s Double Tragedy
Sokoto State has also been hit hard by fatal food poisonings. In Runjin Barmo village of Kajiji District, Shagari Local Government Area, a family of seven perished after eating a cassava-based delicacy. The community was still mourning when, just days later, another family of seven in the same Shagari LGA fell victim to a similar fate. Five members of the family died after consuming a soup prepared with a local fertiliser, known as Gishirin lalle, which was mistakenly used as seasoning.
The State Commissioner for Health, Asabe Balarabe, confirmed the incident, noting that the victims had consumed the fertiliser-laced soup, mistaking it for a food additive. Three of the victims died on Friday, while the remaining two succumbed to the poisoning at Specialist Hospital Sokoto on Sunday.
Kogi’s Devastating Loss
Kogi State has not been spared from this wave of tragic incidents. In Anyoke, Okunchi Ward, Adavi Local Government Area, six individuals from the same household died after consuming cassava flour believed to have been contaminated. The deaths have sparked widespread concern over the safety of locally produced food items.
Kano’s Heartbreaking Tale
In Kano State, the death of a widow and her five children in Karkari village, Gwarzo Local Government Area, has left the community in mourning. The family reportedly consumed a local delicacy, Danwake, made from expired cassava flour. A neighbor revealed that the widow, struggling to provide for her children, had used the expired flour out of desperation.
Nasarawa’s Sorrow
More than a week ago, six members of a family in Gidinye community, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, died after consuming a meal suspected to have been poisoned. The incident adds to the growing list of food-related tragedies in the country.
Public Health Expert Perspective
Pharm. Emmanuel Onyekachi warned about the severe health risks associated with consuming foods preserved with chemicals like Sniper. He stated, “The use of agrochemicals such as Sniper in preserving foods like beans can cause neurological defects in humans when such foods are being consumed. They can also cause skin irritation, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, and death in some cases.”
The Role of Food Hoarding and Substandard Imports
Experts have pointed out that food hoarding and the importation of substandard food items contribute to the increasing incidents of food poisoning in Nigeria. Farmers, in their bid to extend the shelf life of their produce, resort to using toxic chemical preservatives. The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAA), David Kayode Ehindero, highlighted that this practice is often driven by economic pressures and the challenges posed by climate change.
“Food contamination is majorly caused by substandard imported foods due to a reduction in agricultural production in Nigeria. The other reason is over the chemicalization of farms and products, which is a direct effect of climate change,” Ehindero emphasized.
The Hidden Threat of Artificial Ripening
Fruits are not exempt from these dangerous practices. Many fruit sellers in Nigeria use chemicals like calcium carbide to artificially ripen fruits, making them look more appealing to consumers. This practice introduces harmful substances into the food supply, posing significant health risks to the public. Mrs. Ann Nwachukwu, a fruit seller in Abuja, Who spoke to Africa health report AHR, admitted to using calcium carbide to ripen bananas faster.
“After getting the unripe banana, we make sure they’re strong and big in size. Then we get a chemical called calcium carbide, popularly known as carbide, put a little quantity of it into a bucket, put the banana into the same bucket and cover it with a leather material for 12 hours. After then, the banana is ready for selling,” Mrs. Nwachukwu explained.
Regulatory Responses and Public Health Advice
In response to these growing concerns, the Nigerian government and health authorities have issued warnings against the indiscriminate use of chemical preservatives. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised citizens to ensure proper food processing and storage methods to avoid further casualties. Public health experts stress the importance of consuming fresh foods and avoiding expired products to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
NAFDAC’s Position “Our role is to regulate products that are processed and packaged, that is under our jurisdiction. However, for food that is produced locally, our role is advisory,” said Nadabo Nathan, the NAFDAC coordinator for Kwara State.
Speaking with African Health Report (AHR) A Public Health Specialist, Dr Jonathan Dangana, said, “Food poisoning is a significant issue that affects everyone, often due to our negligence and lack of personal hygiene. Various factors contribute to food poisoning, such as improper handling of vegetables like lettuce, resulting in the spread of harmful bacteria.
“Additionally, some individuals use substances like hypo to expedite the fermentation process in foods like cassava, leading to negative health consequences. The desire for financial gain often drives people to take these risks without considering the consequences for those who consume their products. This highlights a lack of awareness among the community regarding the dangers of these practices.
“While using these methods may achieve the desired results, the long-term effects on consumers’ health can be devastating. Clinically, there are numerous reported cases of food poisoning, with an average of two to three individuals affected per week. This number can quickly multiply and depict a grim picture of the issue when considering the scale of a year. Unfortunately, the actual number of fatalities resulting from food poisoning is difficult to ascertain since many people resort to alternative, potentially more concentrated methods to achieve ripeness or fermentation. These alternative practices introduce chemicals into the food, which can have multiple negative effects on the human body. An example of this is the spread of pathogens like the Lassa virus, where even minimal contact between contaminated rats and improperly cooked rice can lead to severe illness. Hemorrhagic symptoms and other complications can occur as a result.
“Similarly, when someone experiences food poisoning, they may have frequent bowel movements for some time. If they choose alternative remedies instead of seeking medical attention, death becomes a likely outcome. In such cases, it is important to assess the person’s level of weakness and how long it has been occurring. It is also necessary to inquire about their most recent meal and where it was purchased, as in Nigeria, there is a higher prevalence of overripe fruits found at junctions, especially on highways. One should ensure that the fruits are adequately ripe, as there are identifiable colour changes when ripe. If consuming raw food, it is important to inspect and smell for any signs of chemicals. Once a person is infected, symptoms such as general body weakness, weight loss, pale eyes, and overall fatigue become evident, prompting the need for replenishment.”
Conclusion: A Call for Action
The rising cases of foodborne illnesses in Nigeria highlight the urgent need for stricter food safety regulations, public education on safe food handling practices, and the enforcement of laws against the use of harmful chemicals in food preservation. Public health depends on the food we consume, and addressing these issues is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of Nigerians.
As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, it is imperative for consumers, food vendors, and regulatory authorities to work together in ensuring that the food we eat is safe and free from harmful contaminants. The future health of the nation depends on it.
