The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned the use of dichlorvos, a chemical frequently used by traders to prevent food spoilage, and has warned against its dangers.
In a statement issued on Sunday by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the agency highlighted concerns about a recent viral video showing individuals using harmful chemicals to preserve food items such as beans, stockfish, and crayfish.
NAFDAC has prohibited the sale of small-volume dichlorvos (100 ml or less), known as Sniper, since 2019, while larger volumes (one litre) are restricted to certified agrochemical outlets.
Meanwhile, the agency emphasized that dichlorvos is highly toxic and poses severe health risks, including developmental issues, memory loss, reduced fertility, and potential cancer risks from long-term exposure.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, urged traders to stop using unauthorized chemicals on food. She stressed the critical importance of following safety guidelines to avoid the severe health consequences associated with dichlorvos exposure.
