NIGERIA’S HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO LOCALLY FABRICATED GRINDING MACHINES
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The House of Representatives has urged an urgent investigation into alleged contamination of food processed with locally fabricated grinding machines, widely used in markets and food processing centres across the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Wale Raji, the lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency, Lagos State.
Raji highlighted findings from the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, whose Director-General, Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, warned of potential health risks linked to locally fabricated grinding machines. Research indicated that machines used to process staple foods such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, and melon seeds may contain heavy metals like lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and manganese, some exceeding safety limits recommended by the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization.
Raji stressed that prolonged exposure to these metals could lead to kidney and liver damage, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and increased cancer risk. With the widespread use of these machines across Nigeria, he described the matter as a serious public health concern, noting the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
The lawmaker also raised concerns about weak regulation and inadequate certification of locally fabricated food processing equipment, warning that failure to act could expose millions of Nigerians daily to toxic contaminants and worsen public health outcomes.
The House of Representatives resolved to investigate the claims and review existing regulatory mechanisms governing the fabrication and use of food processing equipment, aiming to safeguard public health and ensure food safety standards are strictly enforced.
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