Beware of consumption of ‘ponmo’, NAFDAC warns Nigerians

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians to be careful when buying animal hides, popularly known as ‘ponmo.’

According to a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Director-General of the agency, Moji Adeyeye, investigations revealed that ”unscrupulous businessmen and traders are now diverting animal hides meant for industrial use into the food chain for consumption”.

Mrs Adeyeye said that investigations further revealed that some of the companies illegally imported hides from countries such as Lebanon and Turkey.

She said a majority of the products was smuggled into the country through its porous borders.

The statement indicated that consumption of such animal hides exposes one to the risk of liver, kidney and heart damage, increased risk of Aplastic anaemia, central nervous system toxicity and cancer.

Mrs Adeyeye urged the general public to be very vigilant and exercise discretion when purchasing animal hides.

– Premium Times