Health experts have raised alarms over the widespread use of toxic chemicals such as formalin and sniper to preserve meat, fish, and poultry in Nigeria, warning that millions of consumers may be exposed to cancer and other serious illnesses.
The House of Representatives has launched a probe into the practice, but experts fear it may fail without strong political will and effective enforcement.
Adebowale Onafowora, Managing Director of BIC Farms Concept, attributed the problem to greed, ignorance, and inadequate cold storage infrastructure. “When refrigeration fails, formalin becomes the ‘guaranteed’ preservative,” he said, adding that many small-scale traders use these chemicals without understanding their dangers.
Prince Oyewumi Oyedele Oyetunde, Editor-in-Chief of Farmers Choice Magazine, called the trend “deeply alarming,” noting reports of vendors using toxic chemicals to prolong frozen food shelf life are widespread.
Shakin Agbayewa, Deputy Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), blamed corruption and compromised border officials for allowing tainted foods to enter markets.
Experts say tackling the crisis requires stricter enforcement, public education, and investment in cold-chain infrastructure, including mobile testing, food safety courts, and awareness campaigns. Adewale Adeoye of JODER stressed: “What we need now is enforcement — visible, consistent, and uncompromising.”
