FORMALIN: THE PROBLEM WITH FROZEN CHICKEN,TURKEY,FISH AND OTHER FROZEN FOODS

The Guardian newspaper in Lagos did a very good report on formalin in frozen foods some months ago. They have actually being publishing reports on the dangers of formalin in frozen foods and have been calling on Government officials to do something about it. Most of the frozen foods that come into Nigeria from Cotonou, Togo and other countries have a high concentration of formalin in them. In fact, according to The Guardian newspaper, most of these frozen foods stay in warehouses outside the country for two years before they enter Nigeria.

What is formalin?

The widespread use of formalin, in preservation of fish, fruit and other food items is posing a threat to public health. The chemical used as a solution in water keeps fish fresh and makes fruits attractive. This chemical, usually used to keep dead bodies from rotting, is now being used to preserve edible items.

Formalin is a colorless strong-smelling chemical substance usually used in industry of textiles, plastics, papers, paint, construction, and well known to preserve human corpse. It is derived from formaldehyde gas dissolved in water.Exposure from its gas or vapor can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and respiratory tract, causing sneezing, sore throat, larynx constriction, bronchitis and pneumonia. Multiple exposures can lead to asthma. It can also affect the skin, causing dermatitis or allergic reaction.

Serious inhalation or ingestion can cause severe pain with inflammation ulceration and necrosis of the mucous membranes, which line almost every internal organ. This may show as symptoms of nausea, vomiting blood, and diarrhea with bloody stool, blood from the urine, acidosis, vertigo, and circulation failure, then death. 30ml is the suggested lethal dose of formalin. The limit allowed in air that is still safe for human is less than 2 ppm.

Reference:

BIMC Hospital, Indonesia

Please join “OSES IS TALKING” and let us together help our friends and relatives live healthier. As a major  step to healthier living, my family no longer consumes animal products.Many people nowadays are suffering from various degenerative diseases and do not know where they got them from. Mortality rate in Nigeria is reducing by the day.