The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has identified one of the additives used in the flavoured drink that reportedly killed three people in Kano State as Hyroxylamine, a poison used sometimes for terrorism.
Consequently, the agency warned Nigerians against adding chemicals to food and drinks to enhance taste, stressing that such practice could result in severe illness and even death.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Christiana Adeyeye, who disclosed this in a statement signed by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akinola, yesterday, said the chemical did not pass through the agency.
According to her, there is no record at the Chemical Evaluation and Research Directorate of NAFDAC to suggest that permission was given to anyone to import the chemical, while internal checks at the Ports Inspection Directorate revealed that the chemical was not imported through the ports.
Adeyeye revealed that the merchants of the deadly chemicals and additives had been apprehended. She said: “Definitely, it was smuggled into the country. Before any chemical can be legally imported into Nigeria, full authorisation and permit must be obtained from NAFDAC to ensure that no dangerous chemical is brought into the country and used to the detriment of Nigerians.
“For safety and security concerns, NAFDAC does end-to-end monitoring for all chemicals. After testing the additive, it was discovered to be Hyroxylamine. It’s a poison, sometimes used for terrorism.”
MEANWHILE, Nigerians have been urged to leverage regular physical activity to prevent hypertension, diabetes, obesity as well as breast and colon cancers.
At an event in Abuja at the weekend to mark the World Physical Activity Day, the National President, Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP), Dr. Nnenna Chigbo, said engaging in physical activities could also improve mental health, quality of life and general well-being.
She added: “Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and Treat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease and stroke.
“Physical activity refers to any bodily movement produced by the skeletal muscles that demand energy. It involves activities like walking, engaging in household chores, recreational pursuits. The World Health Organisation recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily for those between ages five and 17 years.”
According to her, physical activity beyond 60 minutes is highly recommended because it offers greater health benefits. Children and adolescents should engage in intense physical activity that strengthens muscles and bones at least thrice a week.
“For substantial health benefits, adults should do at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity,” Chigbo stated.
Source: Guardian
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