The House of Representatives on Wednesday mandated its Committees on Health Services and Drug and Narcotics to investigate the alleged importation of fake, substandard and cancer-causing tomato paste into the country.
This followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by Rep. Ossai Ossai (Delta-PDP), which was unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote.
Moving the motion, Ossai explained that there had been an increase in the importation of fake and substandard foods into Nigeria, particularly the tomato paste.
He expressed worry that the development was an issue of concern to Nigerians.
“It is reported that this mafia group is collaborating with a few indigenous manufacturers in Nigeria who are being used as cover-up,” he said.
Ossai stated that the tomato paste being sold at low prices had flooded the markets.
He said: “This has compelled the closing down of many and genuine indigenous tomato paste processing companies in Nigeria, which has also resulted to the retrenchment of over 50 per cent of their staff.
“Section 5 subsections (a) to (e) and (I) of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Act has given NAFDAC the onerous task of ensuring that fake and substandard food items are not found within the Nigerian markets.
“This is in conformity with Order XViii Rules 160 (2) (n) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.”
The House urged the committees to report its findings within three weeks for further legislative action.
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