The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) has expressed concern over the growing incidence of organ failure and cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria, suggesting a possible connection to food processed with locally fabricated grinding machines.
Speaking on the issue, the institute’s Director-General, Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, referenced findings indicating that many locally made grinders used to process tomatoes, peppers, onions, melon seeds, and other food items—particularly in Lagos—contain harmful traces of heavy metals.
According to her, substances such as lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and manganese were detected, alongside non-heavy metals including calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
“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 cautioned.
She further noted that contamination levels recorded in certain locations surpassed the safety thresholds established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), especially in areas exposed to heavy traffic and industrial operations.
Dr. Tutuwa explained that although heavy metals occur naturally in the environment, they become dangerous when they accumulate in excessive concentrations within the food chain. She highlighted cadmium as a particularly serious ecological and public health threat due to its extensive industrial applications.
The FIIRO boss stressed the urgent need for stricter regulatory oversight, improved enforcement mechanisms, and increased public awareness to curb the rising burden of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and organ failure across the country.