The Kwara State House of Assembly has called for immediate statewide enforcement and public sensitisation to curb the dangerous and growing practice of chemical food preservation by vendors across the state.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised during plenary proceedings on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.

Raising the motion, Hon. Ogunniyi expressed deep concern over the alarming trend of food vendors employing hazardous chemical methods to accelerate sales and prevent spoilage.

He highlighted illegal practices such as adding Paracetamol to cassava flour to speed up processing, applying Sniper and formalin to fish and meat, and using calcium carbide for artificial fruit ripening.

"These practices have become increasingly prevalent in both major and minor markets, as well as among roadside food vendors across the country and Kwara State," Hon. Ogunniyi warned.

He noted that the accumulation of toxic chemicals in consumed food poses severe health risks, including kidney failure, cancer, acute food poisoning and long-term organ damageall driven by vendors prioritising quick profit over public health.

Contributions to the motion were made by Hon. Muhammed Kareem Musa (Patigi), Hon. Yusuf Maryam Aladi (Ilorin South), Hon. Bamigboye Joseph Olajire (Oke-Ero) and Hon. Abdullahi Halidu Danbaba (Kaiama/Kemanji/Wajibe), who all underscored the need to break community silence and address public ignorance surrounding toxic food additives.

Following extensive deliberations, the House resolved to:

Urge the Kwara State Government, through the Ministry of Health, to collaborate with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and relevant security organs to step up market inspections and strictly enforce food safety laws across all local government areas.

Direct the Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of Health, Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) and key stakeholders to launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns across broadcast media, social channels, worship centres and schools regarding the health dangers of chemical preservation and safe alternatives.

Enjoin Kwara residents to exercise vigilance by reporting offending vendors to health authorities, NAFDAC or law enforcement, while prioritising hygienic and safe food sources.