By Erewunmi Peace

The Nigerian Senate has raised serious concerns over the widespread use of toxic chemicals in food preservation and processing across the country, warning that millions of Nigerians could be unknowingly consuming harmful substances every day.

The alarm follows investigations by the Senate Committee on Health, Agriculture, and Trade, which revealed that many food items sold in Nigerian markets are contaminated with hazardous chemicals. The committee described the situation as a “public health emergency,” citing rampant misuse of industrial and agricultural substances in food preparation.

According to the findings, chemicals such as calcium carbide — banned globally for artificial fruit ripening — are still being used by traders to speed up the maturation of bananas, mangoes, and oranges. Reports also indicate the use of sniper (a pesticide) to preserve beans and grains, and the addition of paracetamol tablets to tenderize meat, a practice that can lead to severe liver and kidney damage.

Senators and food safety experts warned that these practices have contributed to rising cases of food-related illnesses, including cancer, liver failure, and other chronic conditions. They called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to intensify market surveillance and enforce penalties against violators.

While the Senate acknowledged that poor awareness and economic hardship drive many traders to such harmful shortcuts, it stressed that public enlightenment and stricter monitoring are urgently needed to protect citizens.

Health professionals also urged Nigerians to wash fruits thoroughly, avoid artificially ripened produce, and buy food items from trusted vendors.

“What Nigerians are eating daily may be slow poison,” one health expert said. “Until enforcement improves, the nation risks a silent epidemic.”

The government is expected to release a full report on the committee’s recommendations before the end of the year.