The Lagos State government said it has confiscated large amount of poisonous cow-skin , popularly known as ‘Ponmo’ in Ojo and Iba Local Government and Local Council Development Areas of the State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, by Director, Public Affairs, Adeola Salako, in Lagos, disclosed that three persons were arrested connected with the sale of toxic cow-skin.
The statement quoted the Dr. Jide Idris, State Commissioner for Health, to have disclosed this , while reviewing report of preliminary investigation and enforcement carried out on the sale of the toxic ‘Ponmo’ in the areas.
Idris while reiterating the commitment of the State government to the protection and promotion of good health for its citizens noted that government will always do the needful to ensure that only unwholesome and healthy foods are available for consumption in the Lagos State.
The commissioner further stated that the three persons involved have been charged to court while samples of the confiscated ‘Ponmo’ had been sent to the NAFDAC Laboratory for suitability test analysis for human consumption.
Idris while explaining what brought about the action stated that the attention of the State Government was drawn to the activities of traders who deal in the sales of the poisonous cow-skin at odd hours in different locations in Ojo and Iba local government areas of the State.
“Preliminary investigations and suspects tracing revealed that the traders were very active in the early hours between the hours 4.00am and 6.00am at various locations such as Volkswagen bus stop, iyana iba, Afolabi Ege Markets, all within Ojo local government and Iba local council areas of the State” .
“Furthermore, a company said to be located at ijedodo area of Iba LCDA was indicted as source of supply of the toxic Ponmo and has subsequently been put under surveillance”, Idris said.
He also advised the public against purchase and consumption of foods which sources are doubtful or perceived to be hazardous to human health and wellbeing.
The Commissioner however called on the public to be vigilant and report any suspected activities and sales of unwholesome foods and food products to environmental health officer in their nearest local government or to the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Agriculture.
