Nigerian health influencer Aproko Doctor has warned that some fufu producers are adding harmful chemicals like detergents and bleach to speed up fermentation. Experts link this to severe health risks, including kidney damage and cancer. Consumers are urged to be cautious and seek safer alternatives while authorities investigate.
Renowned health advocate Aproko Doctor, Dr. Egemba Chinonso Fidelis, has issued a stark warning to Nigerians about the potential dangers of consuming fufu, a widely eaten staple. According to him, some producers are adding harmful substances such as detergent, bleach, and alum to cassava during processing, raising serious health concerns.
Fufu, a fermented cassava meal, is a key part of many Nigerian diets. Traditionally, the fermentation process involves soaking cassava in water for days to eliminate toxins naturally. However, due to rising demand, some producers are reportedly using toxic chemicals to speed up fermentation—a practice that could expose consumers to serious health risks. Investigations by Sunday Punch support these claims, revealing that certain sellers rely on substances like "Kongi soap" (local detergent) to make cassava softer, and faster.
Experts warn that consuming chemically treated fufu could lead to kidney and liver damage, stomach disorders, breathing difficulties, and increased cancer risk. The challenge, however, is that contaminated fufu might not always show obvious signs. While some batches may have a strong chemical smell or appear excessively white, others may taste completely normal, making detection difficult.
To stay safe, health professionals urge consumers to buy fufu from trusted sources or switch to safer alternatives like pounded yam, eba, plantain flour, oat swallow, amala, and wheat swallow. Meanwhile, Nigerians are calling on NAFDAC and health authorities to take swift action against unsafe food processing practices.
