Following growing concerns about the illegal use of dangerous chemicals for the preservation of fish,the federal government has expressed its determination to fight the scourge to a standstill to forestall health problems that may arise from what it describes as an unwholesome act.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Alhaji Mohammed Nanono,gave this assurance while speaking at the ongoing Norwegian Seafood Festival in Lagos, stating that plans where in the pipeline to buck the trend.
Represented at the event by Mr Ime Umoh, a Director at the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture,Mr Ime Umoh, Nonono explained that the government had finalised plans to accredit the National Fishery Laboratory in Lagos and ensure that the various Export processing facilities in Nigeria have the hazard Analysis and Critical Control Plan in place.
He bemoaned the Spraying chemicals like Sniper,which has been banned by the EU and United States on food and fish,explaining that its consumers could be afflicted with various health problems.
“We also ensure that the various Export processing facilities in the country have in place a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Plan) and anti contaminants plans before they are certified for export.
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“We are also building the capacity and sensitising our indigenous smoked fish processors and fish farmers on the proper and safest methods to use their storage facilities so as to prevent infestation by pests like weevil, flies, cockroaches, rats and dangerous use of the chemical, he added.
