NAFDAC cautions Nigerians on the danger of consuming stranded sea creatures

Nigerian watchdog on food and drugs has warned the public against eating washed up aquatic animals, especially those whose cause of death is unknown.

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) gave the warning against the backdrop of a whale was swept ashore in Okpoama and Onyekia communities in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, which triggered a feeding frenzy among inhabitants of the areas.

The Agency said described the development as dangerous, something akin to eating the corpse of a cow found on a road.

In an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday July 30, 2019, NAFDAC’s Director for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Mr. Sheriff Olagunju, said eating an animal whose cause of death was  unknown could have negative health implications for the consumer.

“It is dangerous eating an animal whose cause of death is not known. It could have been killed by chemical poisoning, contamination or anything. It could also contain a lot of contaminants. It is just like seeing a dead cow on the road ad cutting its meat and eating it.”

Olagunju compared the rush for a washed up whale to the struggle to scoop petrol from a fallen fuel tanker without thinking of the risks.

“Even when you warn some Nigerians about the risks, they remain adamant. Just like the way they rush to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker despite all warnings,” he said.