By Rita Okonkwo
Health authorities have warned Nigerians against buying food displayed near refuse dumps, stressing that such practices expose consumers to dangerous bacteria, heavy metals, harmful chemicals, and serious health risks.
Market inspections across Awka, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, and Lagos revealed vegetables, fruits, tomatoes, and open grains displayed close to decomposing waste, attracting flies freely contaminating exposed foodstuffs daily.
Awka-based public health expert, Pharmacist Celestine Nnamdi Ikoah, explained that refuse dumps attract disease-carrying vectors capable of contaminating food instantly, exposing consumers to preventable and life-threatening infections nationwide.
According to Ikoah, contaminated food may transmit diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, vomiting, and other illnesses, especially among children under five, pregnant women, elderly adults, and immunocompromised persons across communities.
He further warned that uncovered food absorbs toxic chemicals, offensive odours, and harmful emissions from burning waste, while vendors risk respiratory diseases, asthma, eye irritation, and long-term health complications.
Dean of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola, emphasized cooking cannot eliminate dangerous toxins, microorganisms, heavy metals, or chemicals contaminating food exposed near refuse dumps and drains.
Former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, urged stricter enforcement of sanitation laws, stressing poor waste management increases disease outbreaks and threatens public health across Nigeria.
Health experts advised consumers to buy sealed grains, avoid exposed foods, inspect purchases carefully, reject fly-infested items, and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consumption to safeguard their health.
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