Nigeria: The Prevalence of Food Poisoning

20 January 2020
editorial

The authorities should worry more about food contamination

Although the authorities hardly pay attention, the number of death arising from suspected food poisoning in Nigeria is becoming rather alarming. Last September, a family of six--man, pregnant wife, his three children and a female relative--were found dead of suspected food poisoning in their apartment at Mafoloku area of Lagos State. That this has become a recurring tragedy in Nigeria explains why the recent claim by a Professor of Food Science and Technology, Alfred Ihenkuronye, that no fewer than 200,000 persons die annually of food poison in Nigeria, should compel attention. Indeed, hardly any day comes without reports of some families dying after eating food that may have been contaminated through improper processing, preservation and service. "There are many avenues through which foods can be contaminated. And when people eat these foods, they will have problems which may result in deaths," Ihenkuronye said.

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