A shocking revelation about food safety in Rivers State has sparked widespread concern after a Nigeria Info FM Port Harcourt report exposed farmers using detergents to speed up fufu fermentation.
The report, aired on Nigeria Info FM Port Harcourt, was accompanied by a video shared on social media. It quickly gained traction, particularly after being posted by InstablogNaija, where thousands of Nigerians expressed outrage.
The viral story ignited discussions on food safety, regulatory oversight, and consumer health, with many questioning the role of the Ministry of Health and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
How Farmers Carry Out the Process
Farmers in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State claim that adding detergent to cassava speeds up fermentation, cutting the process from eight days to just two or three.
Josephine Eke, a farmer in Isu Community, explained:
“The cassava is peeled, cut into smaller pieces, washed, and soaked in water. Normally, it takes about eight days to ferment, but with detergent, it softens in two to four days.”
Another farmer, Chinyere Emeka, attributed the practice to soil differences and cassava varieties.
“In the olden days, we didn’t do this. But now, some cassava is harder, and detergent makes it ferment faster. It helps us process fufu quicker for the market.”
Reports suggest that this practice is not unique to Rivers State, as similar cases have been observed in other parts of Nigeria.
Consumers React
The revelation has left many residents of Port Harcourt alarmed.
“Now that I know people add detergents to ferment fufu, I will be more careful about where I buy mine,” a concerned consumer said.
“These people are harming all of us. They should stop this immediately,” another resident lamented. Some advised buying fufu from rural areas where traditional methods are still used.
Concerns from Medical Experts
Health experts have warned that consuming fufu processed with detergent poses serious health risks.
Medical content creator Aproko Doctor (Dr. Chinonso Egemba) emphasized that detergents contain toxic chemicals harmful to human health, urging NAFDAC to take action.
However, a NAFDAC officer clarified to our correspondent that the agency does not regulate unpackaged foods, leaving enforcement to state health ministries.
On Wazobia FM’s As E Dey Hot, Dr. Stephen Okoro linked the issue to the rising cases of kidney failure.
“People don’t realize that detergents contain chemicals that may affect the kidneys. This could be a factor in the increasing kidney-related illnesses.”
He suggested using baking soda and scent leaf as safer alternatives for fermentation.
Government Responds
Following public outcry, the Rivers State Ministry of Health issued a statement warning against the practice.
Dr. Ndubuisi Akpuh, Director of Public Health and Disease Control Services, cautioned that detergents contain substances that can cause nausea, vomiting, and long-term health complications.
“The use of non-food substances in food processing is against food safety regulations. Anyone found engaging in this practice may face legal action.”
The Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture also condemned the act, urging farmers to adopt safer methods. In a statement signed by Director of Agriculture, Sunday Agada, the ministry advised using warm water and proper fermentation techniques.
Authorities encouraged the public to report offenders by calling 09033701806 or visiting the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture.
What’s Next?
With growing concerns over food safety, consumers and authorities are now questioning how many other food items may be processed with unsafe chemicals. As investigations continue, many Nigerians are demanding stricter regulations to ensure that the food on their plates is safe to eat.
