Nigeria: fufu may not be safe for consumption

Fufu, a popular bread-like food used in West African cuisine, may be a serious health risk for Nigerians. According to doctor and health influencer Egemba Chinonso Fidelis, it contains harmful chemicals that have been added by companies to speed up its production process. Traditionally, fufu is made from cassava that is peeled, cut, and soaked in water for at least five days to allow fermentation. The fermentation process is necessary to eliminate toxins and make the food eatable. However, Fidelis claims in an Instagram video that some producers are reducing the fermentation to two or three days and using detergents, soap, and even bleach in fufu’s preparation. It seems that some people have already been hospitalized for eating adulterated fufu in local restaurants. Fidelis mentions a recent documentary by Punch Newspapers in support of his claims and asks food authorities to investigate the matter and make fufu safe again for consumption.