Following the incessant use of dangerous chemicals like insecticides for the preservation of stockfish, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Alhaji Mohammed Nanunu yesterday warned that it could lead to health problems.
Speaking at the ongoing Norwegian Seafood Festival in Lagos, Nanunu, however, said that the government was currently developing guidelines to stem the situation.
The minister who was represented by Mr Ime Umoh, a Director at the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture said that the government has concluded 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 said: “Spraying chemicals like Sniper (a substance banned by the EU and United States on food) and fish is highly dangerous to health and thus lead to various health problems.
“The Federal Department of Fisheries and Agriculture is committed to eliminating this unwholesome practices in the sector by developing guidelines of standards of farms that can export, training of farm inspectors, develop residue monitoring plan as well as plan to accredit the National Fishery Laboratory here in Lagos.
“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.
