Nigeria’s Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), has warned that the growing incidence of organ failure and cardiovascular diseases in the country may be linked to foods processed using locally fabricated grinding machines.
The institute’s Director-General, Dr Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists, citing findings from scientific research conducted by the agency.
According to Dr Tutuwa, a comprehensive assessment carried out by FIIRO scientists in 2013 found that locally made grinding machines commonly used to process tomatoes, peppers, onions and melon seeds contained traces of heavy metals. These included lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium and manganese, as well as other metals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron.
She said prolonged consumption of foods contaminated with these metals could contribute to rising cases of cardiovascular diseases and organ failure, including among younger adults.
The study also found that contamination levels in some cases exceeded safety limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), particularly in areas exposed to heavy traffic and industrial activity.
Dr Tutuwa explained that while heavy metals occur naturally in the environment, they can pose serious health risks when they accumulate in the food chain in excessive amounts. She noted that heavy metals do not degrade easily and can build up in the body over time.
She described cadmium contamination as a major environmental and public health concern due to its widespread use in industrial processes.
In response to the findings, the institute said it had developed a stainless-steel pepper grinding machine designed to minimise contamination and improve food safety.
FIIRO said the innovation formed part of ongoing efforts to reduce health risks associated with food processing and promote safer technologies in Nigeria’s food sector.
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