The House of Representatives has expressed grave concern over reports alleging the use of embalming and other toxic industrial chemicals to preserve frozen foods sold across Nigerian markets.
This follows the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, PhD (APC–Imo), during Thursday’s plenary session, titled “Need to Investigate the Alleged Use of Harmful Chemicals as Preservatives for Frozen Foods in Nigeria.”
Hon. Okafor raised alarm over disturbing findings suggesting that some food vendors and importers may be using hazardous substances such as formalin, sodium hydroxide, and carbide — chemicals originally intended for industrial or embalming purposes — to preserve perishable items like fish, meat, prawns, and shrimps.
The lawmaker cited reports from health experts and research institutions indicating that these substances pose severe health risks, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and developmental disorders in children. He also noted concerns that some eateries allegedly use compounds such as Dimethylpolysiloxane and Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ) in food preparation, both of which can be harmful when consumed in large quantities.
Hon. Okafor lamented that, despite existing food safety laws — including the Food Safety Bill (2023) — and the mandates of agencies such as NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministry of Health, weak enforcement and low public awareness have allowed these dangerous practices to persist.
He recalled that in 2019, NAFDAC had issued a public warning against the use of formalin in the preservation of fish and meat, but regretted that similar reports continue to emerge, pointing to gaps in monitoring and compliance.
“We must act decisively to protect Nigerians from the dangers of chemically preserved foods,” Okafor declared. “The health of our citizens cannot be compromised under any guise.”
Following deliberations, the House resolved to mandate its Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, NAFDAC, and Safety Standards to carry out an investigative hearing on the alleged use of toxic chemicals in frozen foods and report back within six legislative weeks.
The House also invited the Federal Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Food Security, as well as NAFDAC, SON, and other relevant regulatory bodies to brief lawmakers on measures taken so far to ensure food safety nationwide.
Hon. Okafor emphasized that the investigation seeks to strengthen regulatory oversight, enforce compliance with safety standards, and protect the lives and wellbeing of Nigerians from potential health hazards linked to unsafe food preservation methods.
