₦airaland Forum

High rates of organ failure, cardiovascular diseases linked to local grinding machines

Some time ago, a post on the above subject matter reached the front page, but the original poster did not include the source or provide enough background to support the headline. I’ve now located the newspaper report that properly examined the issue, and I’m sharing a clearer version of the information below, along with the source.
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The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) in Lagos has expressed concern that the growing number of cardiovascular conditions and organ‑related illnesses in Nigeria may be connected to the consumption of foods processed with locally built grinding machines.

According to a statement issued by FIIRO’s Director‑General, Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, the institute’s research suggests a possible link between these health problems and metal contamination from such machines.

She explained that a detailed investigation carried out by FIIRO researchers in 2013 revealed that many of the locally fabricated grinders used for processing common food items—such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, and melon seeds—especially within Lagos, contained measurable amounts of heavy metals. These included lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and manganese. The study also detected non‑heavy metals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron.

Dr. Tutuwa warned that long‑term consumption of foods contaminated with these metals could contribute to rising cases of organ failure and heart‑related diseases, even among younger people.

She added that in several locations, the level of contamination surpassed safety thresholds set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), particularly in areas exposed to intense traffic and industrial pollution.

The DG further explained that although heavy metals occur naturally, they become dangerous when they accumulate in the body over time, do not break down, and enter the food chain in excessive amounts. She highlighted cadmium as especially troubling due to its widespread industrial use and environmental persistence.

To mitigate the problem, FIIRO has developed a stainless‑steel pepper grinding machine designed to minimize contamination. The institute also intends to work with the National Assembly, the Office of the First Lady, and other partners to encourage the adoption of safer grinding equipment through mass production, distribution, and proper monitoring.

She emphasized that stronger regulation, better enforcement, and increased public awareness are crucial to reducing contamination and lowering the national burden of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and organ failure.

Source: Daily Trust
https://dailytrust.com/high-rates-of-organ-failure-cardiovascular-diseases-linked-to-local-grinding-machines/?noamp=available

Regulation is generally weak in Nigeria.

Na to go back to the days of grinding stone

Which of your forefathers used grinding machines? It be like say you are from another planet. Your forefathers used grinding stones , pestles and mortars. They didn't eat pesticides and herbicides tainted foods like the people of the present generation.

masterplan303:
Wetin our forefathers they use wey them they strong Malayalam and lived over 100 years in their time. Make una they play

Very terrible... Our people generally are not well educated with respect to food safety...if you see where they are processing kpomo in some cities of Nigeria, you won't eat the stuff again. They sometimes use old tires to process the stuff. People do all sorts of things and get away with it over there in Naija. Artisans scavenge parts from toxic and abandoned equipment. Using same parts to construct food processing machines etc. Illiterate farmers used all sorts of toxic chemicals to farm, preserve and process agricultural produce, without adhering to the proper protocol. The list goes on and on.

CodeTemplarr:
Regulation is generally weak in Nigeria.

How about cassava engines used in processing garri

If we want to go this route, person no go chop anything again o. Starting from GMOs and various chemicals from fertilizers and the rest.. Some of the vegetables we consume,na fertilizer we dey put for body

Abeg na God dey help person

My brother, when I try to research on micro plastics and where the can be found. I discovered that the are everywhere, including our precious bottled water and water dispensers bottles. I gave up on the concern . I no send again

BigYash:
If we want to go this route, person no go chop anything again o. Starting from GMOs and various chemicals from fertilizers and the rest.. Some of the vegetables we consume,na fertilizer we dey put for body

Abeg na God dey help person