Food Safety Concerns: Organic Fertiliser Body Warns Against Harmful Preservation Methods
Rising Food Safety Concerns
THE Organic Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (OFPAN) has raised serious concerns over unsafe food preservation practices in the country, urging farmers to embrace organic farming methods to protect public health and improve food safety standards.
The association said the adoption of organic practices would help safeguard grains and other agricultural produce from pest infestation without exposing consumers to life-threatening health risks.
Reaction to Viral Preservation Practices
Speaking in an interview in Abuja, the President of OFPAN, Alhaji Adams Musa, reacted strongly to a viral video that showed individuals allegedly using cement to preserve beans. He described the practice as extremely dangerous and unacceptable, warning that it poses severe risks to human health.
According to Musa, substances such as cement, calcium carbide and other chemical agents being used by some farmers and grain merchants are not food-safe and contain toxic elements that could lead to serious illnesses.
“The use of cement and similar substances for food preservation is harmful and can result in cancer, organ failure and acute poisoning,” he said.
Health Risks of Chemical Contamination
Musa explained that cement is strictly a construction material and has no place in food handling or storage. He noted that it contains corrosive and abrasive chemicals, including alkaline compounds like lime, which are hazardous when ingested.
“Even in small quantities, cement is highly toxic. It can cause chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach,” Musa warned.
He added that ingestion could also result in stomach perforation, poisoning and, in extreme cases, the hardening of cement inside the gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to fatal blockage.
Impact on Nigeria’s Export Potential
Beyond health implications, the OFPAN president said such unsafe practices were partly responsible for the rejection of Nigerian agricultural produce in international markets. He noted that contamination concerns and failure to meet global food safety standards have continued to affect the country’s agricultural exports.
Musa urged farmers and grain merchants to desist from practices that degrade soil quality, compromise food safety and damage Nigeria’s reputation in the global market.
Benefits of Organic Farming
He described organic farming as a safer and more sustainable alternative to inorganic farming, which relies heavily on synthetic fertilisers and chemical pesticides.
According to him, organic farming eliminates the need for hazardous substances such as cement and carbide by using natural soil enhancers and organic fertilisers tailored to specific crops.
“Organic farming improves soil health, boosts food production and naturally protects grains from pests without endangering human lives,” Musa said.
Call for Government Intervention
Musa called on the government and relevant stakeholders to intensify public sensitisation on the dangers of harmful food preservation methods. He urged authorities to organise workshops, seminars and symposiums to educate farmers on safe farming and storage techniques.
He noted that while some individuals engage in such practices out of ignorance, sustained awareness campaigns would significantly reduce the trend.
