The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has warned the public against the consumption of smuggled frozen poultry products due to the health implications.   

The command’s comptroller, James Ojo, gave the warning in an interview with journalists on Monday in Ota.  

According to him, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) described the consumption of smuggled frozen poultry products as having adverse effects on the health of the people.   

Mr Ojo said, “The frozen poultry products smuggled into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin were preserved with chemicals and often lacked proper regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of harmful chemicals being used for preservation.   

“Also, they may not meet the nutritional standards required for healthy consumption, and poor handling as well as preservation techniques can degrade the nutritional quality of the meat, thus leading to potential deficiencies when consumed regularly.   

“The use of unknown or banned chemicals in preserving smuggled poultry can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.”   

The comptroller listed some of these chemicals to include formaldehyde and other preservatives, which could cause acute and chronic health issues like poisoning, cancer, and organ damage.   

Mr Ojo admonished smugglers who were into such nefarious business to desist, as the customs would not relent in ensuring that the illicit goods banned by the federal government do not come into the country.   

 (NAN)