Metro
WARNING…NAFDAC bans use of agro-chemical, snipers as insecticides
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said it is warning against use of agro-chemicals and snipers as insecticides at homes.
Mr Phillip Benu, Assistant Director in NAFDAC who at the sidelines of awareness campaign said the agency organised the program in conjunction with national Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across Ilorin metropolis.
Benu said agency also bans the sale of these chemicals in the open markets, adding that this also extends to use of calcium carbides to ripen fruits.
According to him, the agency embark on the awareness campaign to sensitized the public against use of agro-chemicals, snipers and carbides because they are carcinogenic and can ultimately lead to death.
“There have been instances where these chemicals have mistakenly dropped into foods of families which is fatal.
“We are sensitising the public’s of the dangers of these chemicals as anybody without knowledge of their harmful effect can use them, ” he warned.
He also said fruit sellers who use calcium carbides to ripen fruits should desist from doing so, as such chemicals are found to be carcinogenic.
The NAFDAC officials said as of January 2020, the agency will employ punitive measures on anybody found selling such chemicals in open markets.
Also speaking with NAN, Mr Yusuf Abduljaleel, President of Drug Free and Quality Control of the NYSC, said there is need for people to know the dangers surrounding these chemicals especially snipers.
He observed that people were known to have used it to commit suicides, hence the need for it’s control.
According to him, many people are unaware that carbides is used to ripen fruits and thus endanger people’s lives.
The event includes campaign walks around Maraba, Post-office and market areas, while distributing fliers with the inscription:” Say No to use of calcium carbides for fruit ripening”, Say No to use of Agro-chemical formulations of Dichloruns” and Say No to sale of snipers”, among others.
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