Concerns Rise Over Chemical Preservation of Beans in Port Harcourt.

The use of chemicals to protect stored beans from weevils and other pests is raising concerns among consumers and health experts in Port Harcourt, with calls for proper handling of food-preservation chemicals and stricter monitoring of their use.

Some beans sellers at Mile Three Market, Port Harcourt, told our reporters that they use a chemical known as aluminium phosphide, which is also sold under brand names such as Celphos, to protect beans from weevils and other insects.

According to the sellers, the chemical is wrapped in a piece of cloth or placed in a way that prevents it from coming into direct contact with the beans.

Mr Ebere Njoku, a foodstuff seller at Mile Three Market, explained that the chemical is mainly used when they notice weevils in stored beans. He said it helps to eliminate the insects and preserve the beans for a longer period.

“We use ‘burn’ to preserve our beans. We have the liquid one and the tablet one. The tablet one is better because the liquid one sometimes gums the beans, and it can make the beans take longer to cook.”

He also acknowledged that the chemical is poisonous and should be handled with caution.

“Naturally, it is poisonous, even to human beings. You don’t put it in your mouth. Even when you apply it, you have to wash your hands. We don’t store beans for more than three months. You must see signs that the beans have weevils before you use the chemical, and it must be handled with caution.”

The practice has, however, raised concerns among agricultural and health experts, who stressed the need for food sellers to use only approved chemicals and follow the recommended instructions.

An agricultural expert, Mr Shagba Boniface, said there are different chemicals specifically produced to protect stored food from weevils and other insects.

He explained that such chemicals must be properly tested and approved before they are used on food meant for human consumption.

He also advised farmers and food sellers to follow safety instructions when using chemicals for the preservation of stored grains.

According to him, proper storage facilities can also help protect grains from insects and reduce the need for chemical treatment.

“There is what we call a silo, which is big enough to preserve tons of grains without any side effect. So, using a silo is the best.”

Another expert, Dr Elizabeth Effiong, warned that consuming food contaminated with pesticides and other harmful chemicals could pose serious health risks.

She explained that excessive exposure to pesticide chemicals could affect the stomach and other organs of the body, including the liver.

“It causes some health hazards to the body system and can affect some organs of the body. In some cases, exposure to harmful chemicals may contribute to serious health problems. It can also affect the liver.

“It is not good to preserve food meant for human consumption with harmful chemicals. Food should be preserved properly to reduce the risk of diseases.”

Dr Effiong advised consumers to wash and cook food properly before consumption. She also called for stronger monitoring of the chemicals used by food sellers to preserve stored food.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that only approved chemicals are used for food preservation and that sellers are properly educated on their safe application to protect consumers from exposure to harmful substances.

By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane.

Related