The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute has urged the Federal Government to withdraw grinding machines made of mild steel and galvanised iron nationwide, citing serious public health concerns.
Prof. Lateef Sanni, Executive Director of the institute, Prof. Lateef Sanni, made the appeal during an interview on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mr Sanni warned that most grinding machines used in markets were fabricated from corrosive metals, which he described as hazardous and potentially carcinogenic when in contact with food.
He recommended replacing the machines with stainless steel models, stressing that food processing equipment should meet safety standards to reduce exposure to harmful contaminants.
“All the grinding machines in the country are made of steel and galvanised iron. They are corrosive and may contribute to rising cases of cancer and other diseases,” he said.
He added that food preparation surfaces must be made of stainless steel to prevent contamination and safeguard public health across communities.
Mr Sanni said Nigeria had a pool of nutritionists and food scientists who should be recruited and deployed across local government areas to monitor food safety practices.
According to him, such experts will help eliminate unsafe machines in markets, curb unwholesome preservation methods and educate traders on associated health risks.
On grain preservation, Mr Sanni said the institute, in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture trained farmers on safer storage techniques.
He disclosed that the institute developed NSPRI Dust, which preserved soybeans and cowpeas for six to seven months by protecting them against weevil infestation.
Mr Sanni, however, lamented resistance to change among some farmers, noting that despite training, many revert to unsafe traditional practices they considered quicker or cheaper.
“We need to change our attitude to protect ourselves; otherwise, we risk harming our own people through unsafe food handling practices,” he said.
Prof. Vincent Aduramigba of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, criticised the use of cement for preserving beans, describing it as dangerous.
He urged the public to consult NSPRI for approved grain preservation methods and called for improved funding of Agricultural Development Programmes nationwide.
Mr Aduramigba appealed to state governments to strengthen extension services by recruiting more agents, stressing that farmers remained central to national food and nutrition security.
(NAN)