By Ayodele Oni
Amidst ongoing investigation by the Ondo State Government of the cause of death of 48 persons after consuming suspected poisonous local herb drink, it has been discovered that some traders in the state apply formalin to preserve consumable products.
Government raised the alarm over what it described as the abuse of formalin in preserving food items, warning residents to be wary of food products that remain unusually fresh for prolonged periods.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, gave the warning while speaking on environmental and public-health concerns in the state, alleging that formalin was being abused by some people as a cheap means of preserving food.
According to him, formalin, which is associated with formaldehyde, is being obtained through various channels and allegedly being used to keep vegetables and other food materials, to look fresh for longer than they ordinarily should.
Loko further alleged that some individuals were sourcing formalin-related liquid from factories and even mortuaries for use in preserving food.
He advised residents to be particularly cautious of food items that maintain an unusually fresh appearance for an extended period, urging consumers not to mistake unnatural freshness for quality.
The commissioner warned that consumption of food treated with formalin could expose residents to serious health risks, particularly to vital organs such as the kidney and liver.
He stated that the state government was already intensifying surveillance and public sensitisation as part of efforts to protect residents from environmental and public-health hazards.
Loko’s warning came against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation by the state government into environmental concerns affecting parts of Ondo State.
However, he treated the alleged misuse of formalin in food preservation as a separate public-health concern requiring greater vigilance from residents.
The commissioner urged residents to pay closer attention to the condition and appearance of food before purchase and consumption, stressing the need for caution where food appears to remain unnaturally fresh.
He said the government would continue to monitor environmental and public-health threats while sensitising residents on practices capable of endangering their health.
The commissioner also raised concerns about prolonged exposure of sachet water to sunlight, warning residents against leaving packaged drinking water under intense heat for extended periods.
According to him, substances from plastic packaging could migrate into the water under prolonged exposure, potentially creating health concerns over time.
Loko stressed that the responsibility for protecting public health was not solely that of government, urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid practices that could expose them to preventable health risks.
He added that government would continue to investigate environmental hazards and take necessary steps to safeguard residents across the state.
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