Using insecticides on dried fish may cause cancer, death- Experts

On Jun 25, 2023

Food safety and health experts have warned that food traders, especially those selling dried fish against using insecticides and pesticides to stop flies from perching on them.

They described the act as a dangerous practice that may predispose consumers to health complications and in a worst-case scenario, instant death when consumed.

The experts also noted that long exposure to such chemical compounds can damage vital organs in the body and may lead to poor treatment outcomes for those with underlying health conditions.

Similarly, some insecticides, which are synthetic organophosphorus that belong to the DDVP chemical family (2, 2-dicholorovinyl dimethyl phosphate compound), based on reports, are being indiscriminately used by some Nigerians.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with newsmen, a Professor of Food Science and Technology, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, said that people should pay attention to what they eat, so as to reduce the risk of coming down with diseases.

The food scientist in food technology, nutrition and processing, said it is dangerous to consume foods contaminated with chemicals and pesticides.

The professor, who is the President, Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria, said, “Do you know that some people will kill fish and dip it in an insecticide solution? The moment they do that, flies can’t go near it?

“Fish sellers (fresh and dried) are doing it everywhere, and not only in our markets. In those days, they used Gammalin 20. When I was in Benue State, I noticed that it was a very common practice. Now, many fish sellers use insecticide solution and some even smoke dead fish for sale,” he said.

He also noted that besides the chemical contamination of these fishes by their handlers, many rivers have been contaminated with heavy metals that are injurious to health.

“Last year, we had a webinar on Aflatoxin levels in fish consumed in Nigeria. Many of the fishes that are out there contain mycotoxins because they are not dried with the right moisture and the right packaging materials are not used as well.

“So, those microorganisms build up in the product and the mycotoxins levels will also build up. The toxins produced can kill instantly. Don’t forget that many rivers contain contaminants like lead, mercury, and arsenic. These heavy metals can kill”, he added.

According to the World Health Organisation, Mycotoxins are toxic compounds that are naturally produced by certain types of moulds (fungi).

The WHO also explained that moulds that can produce mycotoxins grow on numerous foodstuffs such as cereals, dried fruits, nuts and spices, adding that the growth can occur before harvest, after harvest, during storage, on or in the food itself, and often under warm, damp and humid conditions.

“Several hundred different mycotoxins have been identified, but the most commonly observed mycotoxins that present a concern to human health and livestock include aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin, fumonisins, zearalenone and nivalenol/deoxynivalenol.

“The effects of some food-borne mycotoxins are acute with symptoms of severe illness appearing quickly after consumption of food products contaminated with mycotoxins”.

Professor Ogunmoyela, who is also the President and CEO of Consumer Advocacy for Food Safety and Nutrition Initiative, reiterated that consuming fish contaminated with chemicals will certainly have consequences on human health.

He said, “If you have an accumulation of toxins and they get into the liver, it can shut down your system. We have been seeing people dying unnecessarily. People should look at the quality of what they eat, where they are coming from and how safe they are. This should be the first consideration.

“Consumption of contaminated food after a long period can affect vital organs of the body. That is why we are seeing a lot of kidney, liver and cancer diseases.

“The environment itself is polluted. There are too many heavy metals around our waters. By paying attention to what we eat, we can reduce the way we fall sick, ” he added.

Wumi/Punch