The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into reports that locally made grinding machines used in food preparation may pose serious health risks.
This was the resolution of motion under matters of urgent national importance moved by Rep. Wale Raji from Lagos state at Plenary.
According to him, a report by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research has warned that contamination during grinding process of food ingredients could expose users to heavy metals, adding that such exposure may contribute to organ failure and cardiovascular diseases.
The machines are widely used in homes and markets across Nigeria to grind food items such as peppers and grains, and are mostly distributed to constituents by politicians as part of empowerment programmes.
Ruling on the matter, the House has however directed its committees on Healthcare services, industry, science and technology, including commerce to jointly investigate the claims and report back within six weeks for possible legislative actions.
