By Mercy Gadia
The House of Representatives has moved to investigate allegations that foods processed with locally fabricated grinding machines may contain toxic metals linked to rising cases of organ failure and cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria.
The motion, sponsored by Rep. Tasir Olawale Raji, followed concerns raised by the Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, who reportedly warned that food contamination from such machines could pose serious public health risks.
Moving the motion during plenary, Raji said findings attributed to the institute indicated that locally manufactured grinding machines used for processing tomatoes, pepper, onions, melon seeds and other staple foods may contain traces of heavy metals.
According to him, the metals allegedly detected include lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium and manganese, some of which reportedly exceed safety limits set by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The lawmaker noted that prolonged exposure to heavy metals could lead to severe health conditions such as kidney failure, liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders and increased cancer risk.
He expressed concern that the machines are widely used in markets and food processing centres across Nigeria, making the issue a major national public health concern.
Raji said Nigeria was already battling a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular ailments and organ failure, warning that failure to investigate the allegations could worsen the situation.
“If these allegations are substantiated, millions of Nigerians may be exposed daily to toxic contaminants through commonly consumed foods,” he said.
The lawmaker also raised concerns over what he described as inadequate regulation and certification of locally fabricated food processing equipment.
In an interview with journalists after moving the motion, Raji said the issue became urgent after the research claims were made by the institute.
He said, “The motion arose from concerns widely expressed over the alleged contamination of food processed using locally fabricated grinding machines.
“It became of particular concern when the Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research alleged at a seminar that research findings revealed a link between food processed with such machines and increasing cases of organ failure, particularly kidney failure, as well as heart-related diseases.”
He explained that the objective of the motion was not to immediately ban the machines but to ensure a thorough investigation of the claims.
According to him, the House has mandated relevant committees to investigate the matter and invite stakeholders to a public hearing.
The committees expected to handle the probe include those on health services, science and technology, industry and commerce.
“It is an allegation that has to be substantiated. Stakeholders, researchers and health practitioners will be invited to validate or counter the claim,” he said.
Raji also noted that the machines are commonly used across the country, particularly in markets and rural communities.
“There is virtually no market where you will not find these machines. They are widely used by ordinary Nigerians, which is why the issue requires urgent attention,” he added.
The lawmaker acknowledged that the machines also serve as a means of livelihood for many Nigerians and are frequently distributed under empowerment programmes by political office holders.
He therefore urged caution against drawing conclusions before the investigation is concluded.
“We should not pre-empt the committees. If the claims are substantiated, stakeholders will recommend remedies and possible alternatives,” he said.
Raji expressed hope that the investigation would attract wide interest from researchers, health
Experts and other stakeholders in order to determine the safety of the machines and protect public health.q