Every once in a blue moon, a public health scare triggers reactions, mostly around households, about the risk that abounds if the dependence on the retail supply of their favourite foods continues. The last Christmas holiday, approximately four months ago, recalls such an example.

The focus then over that holiday – brought on by a Lagos-based health magazine – highlighted controversial fufu paste-making processes that could harm the consumer, but that which some producers churning out the pounded meal in its pre-solid form have adopted nonetheless, hence the shocking discovery that chemicals like bleach are sometimes used.

Bleach reappears in a list of four main food preservatives leading to a future certain to involve nursing one cancer or the other, therefore the advice from a concerned resource person speaking to the southeast residents surrounding him, is for everyone to quit their usage immediately. But is this voice being heard?

To get the scoop, Meiza Nigeria listened to medical expert Ituma Simeon Ituma, based in Enugu State. Mr. Ituma committed to a deep dive with the News Agency of Nigeria that delivered points on what not to do to avoid an unfortunate cancer experience.

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A Global Cancer Observatory report covering Nigeria in 2022 recorded five cancer variants with the top-most frequency. In descending order, there are cancers of the breast, prostate, cervix uteri, colorectum, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma affecting people.

During the period, these diseases accounted for 60 percent of the cases, so what sort of food preservatives and input propelled the occurrences?

Exposure to certain chemicals, such as formaldehyde, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, says the scientist Ituma getting to the root. He also adds that chemicals can cause skin irritation, burns, or allergic reactions when they get into food and are ingested afterwards. 

The common hazardous chemical used in food wrapping, according to the Enugu-based expert is formaldehyde, which Mr. Itumu says is used to preserve food, but usage comes with the risk of cancer and several respiratory problems.

Bleach already features for a different controversial reason – to whiten or disinfect food. People have been known to commonly engage in this and the scientist warns them that it can obstruct their breathing and their natural looks in the direction of skin deformity.

Pesticides used to preserve food can cause neurological damage and cancer, Mr. Itumu says. Some wax coatings as well, particularly paraffin wax, which the expert insists can contain toxic chemicals that can leach into food.

Instead of those four risky material we have observed, organic alternatives – lemon juice, vinegar, or salt are known to be better off. Households and food businesses can also apply parchment paper, aluminium foil, or beeswax wraps.

Following proper food handling and storage techniques, the expert shares would help prevent contamination and spoilage.

Do you know safer ways to help kitchens preserve food being held for cooking or make it fresh for later consumption? Please continue the conversation by sharing your tips via Meiza Nigeria’s social media aggregates for a chance to be featured.

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Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.