NAFDAC Bans Use of Sniper for Food Preservation

 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned the use of dichlorvos, a chemical commonly sold as Sniper, for food preservation. This decision underscores the significant dangers associated with using such chemicals to safeguard food from spoilage.

 

In a statement released on Sunday by NAFDAC's Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the agency expressed deep concern over a recent viral video showing individuals using dangerous chemicals to preserve items like beans, stockfish, and crayfish. NAFDAC emphasized that the sale of small volumes of dichlorvos (100 ml or less) has been banned since 2019. Larger volumes (one litre) are restricted to certified agrochemical outlets.

 

NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, urged traders and merchants to stop using unauthorized chemicals on food intended for human consumption. She highlighted the severe health risks posed by the misuse of dichlorvos, including both short-term and long-term consequences. Long-term exposure can lead to developmental abnormalities in offspring, memory loss, reduced fertility, and potential carcinogenic effects.

 

The agency’s statement stressed the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to mitigate these risks, warning that the toxicity of dichlorvos can have fatal consequences.