By The Rivers State government has issued a strong warning against the dangerous use of detergent and other harmful chemicals in the production of ‘fufu’ across the state.
‘Fufu’, a popular Nigerian staple made from fermented cassava, is eaten in many homes alongside traditional soups. But recent reports have raised alarm over unsafe production methods.
In a public health advisory released in Port Harcourt, the state Ministry of Health said a local radio station exposed how some producers were adding detergent to speed up fermentation and cut costs.
The advisory, signed by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr. Ndubisi Akpuh, warned that consuming such contaminated food could lead to serious health risks, including poisoning and organ damage.
The ministry urged residents to be cautious when buying fufu, advising them to purchase only from trusted sources and report suspicious practices to health authorities.
Dr. Akpuh also reminded food producers that using harmful substances in food processing is illegal and offenders will face legal action to protect public health in the state.
