The Rivers State government has issued a stern warning against the use of detergent and other harmful chemicals in the production of ‘fufu’, a staple food in many Nigerian households.
This comes after reports emerged that some individuals were using detergent as an additive to speed up processing and increase profit margins in fufu production.
According to the state Ministry of Health, this practice poses serious health risks and is strictly prohibited. “Detergents are not consumable items,” the ministry stated. “They contain harsh chemicals that can cause poisoning, leading to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea”.
Prolonged ingestion of detergent can damage vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Furthermore, the chemicals in detergents can cause severe irritation, ulcers, and internal bleeding in the digestive tract.
Many detergents also contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that may lead to reproductive issues and an increased risk of chronic diseases like cancer.
The use of detergents in food processing undermines food safety and can lead to widespread health crises, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
