Health Alert: Nigeria Customs Warns Against Consumption of Smuggled Frozen Poultry
By Matthew Eloyi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the consumption of smuggled frozen poultry products, citing serious health risks.
In an interview with newsmen on Monday in Ota, the Command’s Comptroller, Mr. James Ojo, emphasized the dangers posed by these illicit goods.
“The World Health Organization (WHO), Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have all highlighted the adverse health effects of consuming smuggled frozen poultry products,” he stated.
Mr. Ojo explained that these products, often smuggled into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin, are preserved with hazardous chemicals and lack proper regulatory oversight.
“The frozen poultry products smuggled into Nigeria were preserved with chemicals and often lacked proper regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of harmful chemicals being used for preservation,” he said.
He further elaborated, “These products may not meet the nutritional standards required for healthy consumption. Poor handling and preservation techniques can degrade the nutritional quality of the meat, leading to potential deficiencies when consumed regularly. The use of unknown or banned chemicals in preserving smuggled poultry can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.”
Mr. Ojo identified some of these chemicals, including formaldehyde, which can cause acute and chronic health issues such as poisoning, cancer, and organ damage.
He urged those involved in smuggling to cease their activities, reaffirming the Customs’ commitment to preventing banned goods from entering the country.
“We will not relent in ensuring that illicit goods banned by the Federal Government do not come into the country,” he warned.
