The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday warned Nigerians about the presence of mycotoxins, a toxic substance, in food and feeds.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Dr Paul Orhii, gave the warning at a workshop organised by the agency in the South West region.
The forum was organised in collaboration with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
Represented by Mrs Stella Denloye, the agency’s Director of Laboratory Services, Orhii said that the substance could cause liver cancer.
Orhii said awareness became necessary in view of the dangers inherent in consumption of the substance.
“Records have shown that there are concerted efforts all over the world directed at the introduction of preventive strategies to reduce the risks associated with Aflatoxin contamination.
“These efforts are seen from the backdrop of introduction of mitigation products and stringent monitoring and control measures of the quality of food products by national and international control authorities,” said Orhii.
“ Elimination of aflatoxins after serious contamination has proven difficult, if not impossible.
“ Therefore, prevention and mitigation strategies would need to be the focused on for reduction,’’ he said.
Orhii further said that the agency had organised a similar workshop in the North Central Zone of the country.
According to him, the agency also established a mycotoxin laboratory for constant testing of all foods for local demand and export.
This, he noted, would help improve the reputation of the country as a reliable supplier of quality food products to the global market.
Welcoming participants, the agency’s Deputy Director-General, Partnerships and Capacity, Dr Kenton Dashiell, said Aflatoxin has become a major food poison problem across Nigeria.
“We are meeting here today to sensitise the public and give farmers the solution to the fungus, especially people who process and store grains.
“With this, it will really reduce Aflatoxins in our food,” he said.
