The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos, has highlighted concerns about a potential health problem linked to locally manufactured grinding equipment.
According to the institute, these machines, which are commonly used to process tomatoes, peppers, onions, melon seeds, and other food products, may be leading to an increase in cases of organ failure and cardiovascular disease across the country.
Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, Director-General of FIIRO, stated that many locally made grinders include trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and manganese.
Non-heavy metals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron were also discovered.
“Prolonged consumption of food contaminated with these metals may contribute to increasing cases of cardiovascular diseases and organ failure, even among young adults,” Dr. Tutuwa explained.
FIIRO research demonstrates that pollution in some places exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) safety guidelines.
Areas with extensive traffic and significant industrial activity were discovered to have the highest amounts of contamination, presenting serious public health concerns.
While some metals occur naturally, Dr. Tutuwa cautioned that excessive accumulation in food might be extremely harmful.
Cadmium, in particular, causes significant environmental and health hazards because of its ubiquitous industrial use.
These metals can accumulate in the body over time, causing long-term health consequences such as cancer, organ failure, and cardiovascular disease.
FIIRO is advocating for tougher regulations and enforcement to reduce pollution from grinding equipment.
Public awareness campaigns are also being promoted to inform consumers about the potential risks linked with these equipment.
Dr. Tutuwa encouraged authorities and food suppliers to prioritise safe processing procedures.
“Reducing heavy metal contamination in locally processed foods is critical to lowering the nationwide burden of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and organ failure,” she said.
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