“Local grinding machines cause organ failure and heart disease” – FIIRO raises alarm

The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos, has raised alarms over a potential health crisis linked to locally fabricated grinding machines.

According to the institute, these machines, widely used for processing tomatoes, peppers, onions, melon seeds, and other food items, could be contributing to rising cases of organ failure and cardiovascular diseases across the country.

Contaminated Food Processing Machines

Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, Director-General of FIIRO, highlighted that many locally made grinders contain traces of heavy metals such as lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and manganese.

Non-heavy metals including calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron were also detected.

“Prolonged consumption of food contaminated with these metals may contribute to increasing cases of cardiovascular diseases and organ failure, even among young adults,” Dr. Tutuwa explained.

Safety Limits Often Exceeded

Research conducted by FIIRO shows that contamination in some areas surpasses the safety limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Areas with heavy traffic and significant industrial activity were found to have the highest levels of contamination, raising serious public health concerns.

The Dangers of Heavy Metals

While some metals occur naturally, Dr. Tutuwa noted that excessive accumulation in food can be highly toxic.

Cadmium, in particular, poses serious environmental and health risks due to its widespread industrial use.

These metals can build up in the body over time, leading to long-term health issues including cancer, organ failure, and cardiovascular diseases.

Call for Regulation and Public Awareness

FIIRO is calling for stricter regulation and enforcement to curb contamination from grinding machines.

Public awareness campaigns are also being emphasized to educate consumers about the potential risks associated with these machines.

Urgent Need for Action

Dr. Tutuwa urged both authorities and food vendors to prioritize safer processing methods.

“Reducing heavy metal contamination in locally processed foods is critical to lowering the nationwide burden of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and organ failure,” she said.