Reps Investigate Health Risks from Local Grinding Machines

The House of Representatives in Nigeria is conducting an urgent investigation into the contamination risks associated with locally-made grinding machines used in food processing. This resolution follows a motion led by Representative Wale Raji during a plenary session, driven by growing concerns over potential health risks highlighted by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research.

The institute's Director General, Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, warned of rising cases of organ failure and cardiovascular diseases linked to food processed with these machines. Research indicates that local grinding machines used for processing staple foods like tomatoes, peppers, and onions may contain heavy metals such as lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and manganese, often exceeding safety limits recommended by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

The lawmakers expressed alarm over the widespread use of these machines and the lack of regulatory oversight, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of food safety standards to protect public health.