NAPHON Warns of Health Risks from Commercial Grinders

The National Association of Public Health Nurses of Nigeria (NAPHON), specifically its Lagos chapter, has issued a warning regarding the health risks associated with commercial grinding machines used for blending food products like tomatoes. During the election and inauguration of new executives in Ikeja, the immediate past chairman, Mrs Esther Uwah, expressed concerns that these machines, powered by diesel or petrol engines, leak grease, engine oil, and black mechanical lubricants into the grinding funnel.

Uwah emphasized that the contamination from engine oil, particularly from machines that have been in use for years, poses significant health risks to consumers. She pointed out that while many can afford blenders, those who cannot rely on these commercial grinders, making it essential for public health nurses to educate the community about the dangers of consuming contaminated food.

Uwah stated that NAPHON plans to engage with market associations and commercial grinding machine operators to raise awareness about these health hazards.