The Ondo State Government has raised the alarm over the alleged use of formalin and other mortuary chemicals by some traders to preserve food items and keep them looking fresh for unusually long periods.
The government said findings indicated that the chemicals were being applied to vegetables and other food products to delay spoilage, with some individuals allegedly obtaining formalin from factories and mortuaries for the practice.
The Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, issued the warning on Wednesday while speaking on environmental and public-health concerns arising from practices that could expose residents to harmful substances.
Loko described the alleged practice as a serious public-health concern and urged residents to be cautious when buying food products that remain fresh for unusually long periods.
“Formalin is being abused by some people as a cheap means of preserving food. Some of these substances are reportedly obtained from factories and even mortuaries,” he said.
He warned that consuming food treated with formalin could expose consumers to serious health complications, particularly damage to vital organs such as the kidneys and liver.
“The fact that a food item looks fresh does not necessarily mean it is safe for consumption. Residents should be careful about food that maintains an unusually fresh appearance for a prolonged period,” Loko cautioned.
He said the state government was strengthening surveillance and public sensitisation to identify environmental and health hazards, while educating residents on ways to avoid preventable exposure to dangerous substances.
Loko also cautioned residents against exposing sachet water to prolonged sunlight, saying chemicals from plastic packaging could migrate into the water when subjected to intense heat for extended periods.
“Protecting public health is not the responsibility of government alone. Residents must also remain vigilant and avoid practices that could expose them to preventable health risks,” he said.
The commissioner assured that the government would continue to investigate environmental hazards and take necessary measures to protect residents from practices capable of threatening public health.