The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) has raised serious public health concerns over the widespread use of locally fabricated grinding machines across Nigeria.
According to the institute, these machines — commonly used to process tomatoes, peppers, onions, melon seeds, and other food items — may be exposing millions of Nigerians to dangerous levels of toxic metals.
Heavy Metals Found in Local Grinding Machines
Speaking on the development, FIIRO’s Director-General, Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, revealed that laboratory findings detected traces of harmful heavy metals in several locally manufactured grinders.
The metals reportedly include:
- Lead
- Copper
- Chromium
- Nickel
- Cadmium
- Manganese
Non-heavy metals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron were also identified.
She warned that prolonged consumption of food contaminated by these metals could contribute to rising cases of:
- Organ failure
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cancer
- Long-term toxic buildup in the body
Alarmingly, younger adults are also said to be at risk.
Safety Limits May Be Exceeded
Research conducted by the institute indicates that contamination levels in some locations surpass the safety thresholds set by global health authorities such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Areas with heavy industrial activities and dense traffic were found to record higher contamination levels, intensifying concerns about environmental and food safety standards.
Why Cadmium and Other Metals Are Dangerous
While certain metals naturally occur in small quantities, excessive accumulation can be toxic over time.
Cadmium, in particular, is widely used in industrial processes and has been linked to:
- Kidney damage
- Organ failure
- Increased cancer risk
- Cardiovascular complications
Experts warn that heavy metals can gradually build up in body tissues, making early symptoms difficult to detect until severe health damage occurs.
FIIRO Calls for Urgent Regulation
In response to the findings, FIIRO is advocating for:
- Stricter regulation of locally fabricated food processing machines
- Stronger enforcement of safety standards
- Increased public awareness campaigns
- Safer food processing technologies
Dr. Tutuwa emphasized that reducing heavy metal contamination in locally processed foods is critical to lowering Nigeria’s growing burden of heart disease, cancer, and organ-related illnesses.
What This Means for Nigerians
Grinding machines are widely used in markets and food stalls nationwide, making the issue particularly concerning for households that rely on locally processed ingredients daily.
Health experts suggest consumers should:
- Patronize certified food processing centers
- Demand properly coated or food-grade grinding equipment
- Advocate for stronger regulatory oversight
As investigations and regulatory discussions continue, the warning from FIIRO has sparked urgent conversations about food safety standards in Nigeria.
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