Food processing: Benue Assembly moves to curb use of dangerous chemicals

Benue State House of Assembly has cautioned farmers and food processors against the use of hazardous chemicals in food production, preservation and other agricultural activities, warning that such practices pose serious risks to public health.

The warning was issued during Thursday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Berger Alfred Emberga.

In a statement by the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Zape Michael Upaa, the resolution followed a report presented by the House Standing Committee on Food Security and Nutrition after consultations with officials of the ministries of Health and Human Services, and Agriculture and Food Security on the dangers of harmful chemicals in the food supply chain.

Presenting the committee’s findings, its lead presenter, Anyor Mato, explained that the indiscriminate use of chemicals during farming, food processing and storage could expose residents to foodborne illnesses, acute poisoning and long-term health complications.

The committee raised particular concerns over the use of detergents and calcium carbide in food processing and fruit ripening, as well as the practice of roasting meat with burning tyres.

It warned that these unsafe methods could endanger public health, especially among vulnerable populations such as women, children and residents of rural communities.

The lawmakers also identified weaknesses in existing regulatory structures, noting that monitoring the registration, storage, application and disposal of agricultural chemicals remained inadequate across the state.

They further observed that limited public awareness and insufficient engagement with local communities had contributed to unsafe practices in food handling, packaging, preservation and post-harvest management.

According to the committee, the state lacks comprehensive legislation specifically designed to regulate highly hazardous chemicals throughout the food production and supply chain.

It added that the improper use and handling of pesticides, herbicides, inorganic fertilisers and fumigants could lead to soil degradation, water contamination and unsustainable agricultural practices.

To tackle the problem, the House recommended continuous public awareness campaigns by the ministries of Health and Human Services, and Agriculture and Food Security to educate farmers, food processors and residents about the dangers associated with harmful chemicals.

The lawmakers also called on the relevant ministries to intensify the enforcement of existing regulations covering the registration, storage, application and disposal of agrochemicals.

After deliberating on the report, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, commended the committee for its work and recommended the constitution of a task force to regulate the safety of food meant for consumption in the state.

Food processing: Benue Assembly moves to curb use of dangerous chemicals