NIAS backs NAFDAC’s statement of dangers of eating ponmo

The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) has showed its support to the statement made by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in which the agency alerted the people of Nigeria on the dangers of consuming animal hides popularly known as ‘ponmo.’ 

NAFDAC revealed that it had credible intelligence that showed that certain businessmen sell ‘industrial ponmo’ which are often treated with chemicals that could prove toxic as they were meant for industrial use. “Such chemicals made to be used in plastics and leather manufacturing are often used to preserve the ponmo which is being sold,” the agency claimed.

The statement also urged livestock farmers to desist from using animal hides in the preparation of animal feed as such chemicals can deposit in animal tissue and consumed by humans. Consumption of such food could lead to disease conditions such as kidney damage, liver damage, and aplastic anemia.

The Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Prof. E.A. Iyayi revealed that the institute is in full support of the statement made by NAFDAC. He stated that the toxic ponmo been commonly consumed is meant to be transitioned into the leather industry. Meanwhile, NIAS has in recent times been the leading voice in campaign against the consumption of ponmo.

NAFDAC has urged the general public to be extremely cautious when purchasing ponmo for consumption.