The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos, has raised concerns over rising cases of organ failure and cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria, linking them to the consumption of foods processed with locally fabricated grinding machines.
The Director-General of FIIRO, Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, made the disclosure in a statement made available to journalists, citing findings from research conducted by the institute.
She revealed that a comprehensive assessment carried out by FIIRO scientists in 2013 discovered that locally made grinding machines used to process tomatoes, pepper, onions, melon seeds, and other food items—particularly within the Lagos metropolis—contained traces of heavy metals. These include lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and manganese, as well as non-heavy metals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
According to Dr Tutuwa, prolonged consumption of foods contaminated with these metals may contribute to the increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases and organ failure, even among young adults.
She further noted that in some instances, contamination levels exceeded safety standards set by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization, particularly in areas exposed to heavy traffic and industrial activities.
Dr Tutuwa explained that although heavy metals occur naturally in the environment, they become harmful due to their bioaccumulation, non-degradability, and excessive concentration within the food chain, thereby posing serious health risks.
She described cadmium contamination as a major ecotoxicological concern, given its widespread industrial application and potential to accumulate in human tissues over time.
As part of efforts to tackle the problem, the FIIRO Director-General disclosed that the institute has designed and fabricated a stainless-steel pepper grinding machine aimed at reducing contamination risks and improving food safety standards across the country.
