The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for proactive measures against the use of harmful chemicals in the processing, production and preservation of foods.
This was a move to prevent the spread of life-threatening diseases such as cancers, kidney disease and heart failure among others.
The lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North state constituency, Hon. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, made the call in a motion she moved and seconded by Hon. Olamide Akinajo during plenary on Tuesday.
The lawmaker, in her motion disclosed that using chemicals such as hypo, bleach, potash and detergents to process cassava, preserve ponmo and some other foodstuffs to make them soft and ferment in order to maximize profit has become a prevalent practice in some states like Ondo and Ekiti.
Hon. Oladeji, while calling on Oyo State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to embark on sensitization campaigns at foodstuff markets across the state, emphasized that the practice constitutes a dangerous threat to public health.
The lawmaker, who is the Chairman Committee on Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, in her prayers, urged the state government to create a special task force that will constantly monitor and arrest anybody engaging in the criminal activity.
She also urged the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to embark on periodic sensitization programmes on dangers associated with use of harmful chemicals in the processing of fufu and other food items.
In his contribution, the lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju state constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola, backed the mover of the motion, Hon. Oladeji by calling for the proper monitoring, arrest and prosecution of offenders by the environmental and health task force to ensure a healthy environment.
Hon. Isiaka Tunde, representing Oyo East/ Oyo West constituency, urged the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to intensify efforts to address the menace.
While adopting all the resolutions, the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, called on the state’s Ministry of Health to set up a task force that will be arresting culprits who are indulging in the use of harmful chemicals in the processing, production and preservation of foods.
While adopting the resolutions, Hon. Ogundoyin, urged all the concerned Ministries to take necessary steps in addressing the situation.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
