Nigerian authorities warn against use of chemicals in fufu production

Fufu is a popular food in Nigeria. It is made from fermented cassava and pounded into a stretchy dough to accompany soup and other dishes. However, there have been recently several warnings about its quality and safety that are now also echoed by the authorities. The Rivers State government, for example, has denounced the use of detergent and other dangerous chemicals in the local production of fufu. In a public health advisory issued in Port Harcourt yesterday (February 26), the state Ministry of Health said that some producers were using detergent as an additive to speed up the preparation and increase profits. The advisory was signed by Dr Ndubisi Akpuh, the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh. Consumers were advised about the health risks of ingesting detergent, including serious damage to the liver and internal bleeding in the digestive system. They should be vigilant and report suspicious food production practices to the authorities. In the advisory, the Ministry of Health promised to work with other regulatory bodies to strengthen monitoring and enhance food safety standards.