The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged use of harmful chemicals as preservatives in frozen foods across Nigeria.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Hon. Chike Okafor, representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency in Imo State, during plenary on Wednesday.
Health-focused non-governmental organisations have raised alarms over the use of dangerous substances—including formalin, sodium hydroxide, kerosene, carbide, and other industrial chemicals—to preserve frozen fish, prawns, shrimp, meat, and other perishable food items in Nigerian markets.
Reports from regulatory agencies, health experts, and media investigations indicate that chemicals traditionally used in embalming corpses, industrial processes, or fruit ripening are increasingly employed to extend the shelf life of food products.
The Nigerian Medical Association has warned that these substances pose severe health risks, including cancer, organ damage, and developmental disorders in children.
Okafor told his colleagues that many frozen products imported into Nigeria are preserved with carcinogenic chemicals. He cited the use of Dimethylpolysiloxane, commonly applied as a de-foamer or lubricant, and Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone, a chemical toxic even in small quantities, in local eateries.
He expressed concern over weak enforcement by regulatory agencies, attributing the continued illegal use of these chemicals to corruption, limited public awareness, and occasional complicity.
Highlighting the Food Safety Bill 2023, Okafor emphasized the responsibility of agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministry of Health to protect public health.
The House has directed the relevant ministries and agencies to appear before an investigative committee to provide information on their efforts to curb the use of harmful chemicals in frozen foods.
The committees on Nutrition and Food Security, NAFDAC, and Safety Standards have been mandated to conduct hearings on the issue and report back to the House within six legislative weeks.