The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised Nigerians to stay away from eating animal hides, otherwise known as Ponmo because of the chemical used in treating it.

In a statement released by the Director General (DG) of the agency, Mrs. Mojisola Adeyeye, most of those animal hides were meant for industrial use, adding that some of the animal hides were pre-treated with industrial chemicals, which were not of food grade and were toxic and injurious to human health.

Mrs. Adeyeye he said investigations have revealed that some companies legally imported hides from countries like Lebanon and Turkey, while majority of the product were smuggled into the country through the porous borders.

“The Management of NAFDAC wishes to use this medium to alert the general public and in particular consumers of animal hides popularly known as Ponmo on the activities of some unscrupulous business men and traders.”

“These imported animal hides are meant for industrial use by leather industries for the manufacturing of items such as shoes, bag, belt and others.”

“Health hazards inherent in the consumption of such animal hides include risk of liver, kidney and heart damage, increased risk of Aplastic anaemia, central nervous system toxicity, cancer and many more,’’ she said.

The DG also said livestock farmers were also advised to note that industrial animal hides could not be used to manufacture animal feed.

“The associated chemicals will be stored in the tissues of these animals and will eventually end up in humans when consumed with the attendant effects.”

“NAFDAC, therefore, encourage the general public to be vigilant and exercise discretion when purchasing animal hides, PONMO and indeed other food items,’’ Adeyeye said in the statement.

She concluded saying that NAFDAC is on full watch on activities of animal hide merchants.

“The agency has increased the tempo of targeted and aggressive routine and unannounced inspections to monitor activities of animal hide merchants.”