The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns over the presence of toxic pesticide residues in beans sold in Nigeria. A recent market study conducted by the agency detected residues of pyrethroids and dimethoates above permissible levels. NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, warned that the improper application of pesticides could compromise food safety and expose consumers to harmful chemical residues.
According to Prof. Adeyeye, farmers must comply with internationally established standards for pesticide application to avoid contaminating food products. She stressed that approved chemicals could also pose health risks when used incorrectly. The NAFDAC boss emphasized that there are international levels indicated for all pesticides, and using them beyond these limits is considered misuse.
NAFDAC has banned pesticides containing paraquat, chlorpyrifos, and atrazine, and reaffirmed that the phase-out periods for these chemicals ended on January 1, 2026. This means that products containing these active ingredients can no longer be manufactured, imported, distributed, sold, or used in Nigeria. Despite this, the agency's surveillance and enforcement operations continue to uncover products containing banned active ingredients in circulation.
Prof. Adeyeye attributed the continued circulation of prohibited products to illegal importation, unauthorized local production, and distribution. She warned farmers against using dimethoate to preserve beans after harvest, particularly to prevent weevil infestation, as it is neither approved nor effective for this purpose. Instead, dimethoates are globally accepted for treating crops in the field.
The NAFDAC Director-General emphasized that the agency does not oversee raw agricultural products but frequently monitors them to track pesticide usage. She encouraged farmers to adopt best practices for pesticide application and to prioritize food safety. The agency is strengthening collaboration with relevant government institutions to address the issue of toxic pesticide residues in food products.
The presence of toxic pesticide residues in beans has significant implications for public health in Nigeria. Consumers are exposed to harmful chemical residues, which can have long-term health effects. NAFDAC's warning and efforts to regulate pesticide use aim to mitigate this risk and ensure a safer food supply.
NAFDAC's efforts to address the issue of toxic pesticide residues in beans include public education and awareness campaigns. The agency aims to inform farmers, distributors, and consumers about the risks associated with pesticide misuse and the importance of food safety. By working together, NAFDAC and other stakeholders can reduce the risks associated with toxic pesticide residues in Nigerian food products.
Key points
- NAFDAC has banned pesticides containing paraquat, chlorpyrifos, and atrazine.
- The agency's surveillance and enforcement operations continue to uncover products containing banned active ingredients in circulation.
- NAFDAC is strengthening collaboration with relevant government institutions to address the issue of toxic pesticide residues in food products.
