Oyetolani Olaoye-Fasheun, a nutritionist and dietitian, has warned that consuming substandard bread could potentially lead to infertility in men.
In an interview on News Central’s Jasiri, Olaoye-Fasheun discussed the importance of prioritising healthy and nutritious food in Nigeria. She emphasised that Nigerians who consume many flour-based products should be vigilant about the sources and quality of their food.
Olaoye-Fasheun stressed that contaminated flour-based foods could have carcinogenic effects, potentially damaging vital organs.
While she acknowledged the efforts of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in tackling substandard food, she suggested that the agency could benefit from establishing a more specialised body dedicated to monitoring food quality and consumption.
In addition, Dr Patrick Ijewere, founder and CEO of the Nutrition Hospital and Wellness Centre, recommended that Nigerians consider cutting bread out of their diets. He believes a better understanding of the bread-making process could lead to healthier choices and improved health outcomes.
Dr Ijewere’s remark comes at a critical time, following a report by NAFDAC on substandard bread circulating the market. He said, “If you know the amount of chemicals used in the cultivation of wheat from the farming to the preservation, you would not consume bread.”
He referred to a statement by the former Nigerian Minister for Agriculture, Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, who revealed that wheat imported into Nigeria has often been stored for five to ten years. This suggests that the wheat is heavily treated with preservatives and may be contaminated before it reaches the market.
He pointed out that reversing the health impacts of such diseases is challenging due to the detrimental effects on the body.
Olaoye-Fasheun emphasised that agencies need to raise awareness about the risks of consuming substandard foods to help reduce the incidence of life-threatening diseases. She advocated for public education efforts in various settings, including public spaces, hospitals, and places of worship.
Dr Ijewere also highlighted the importance of educating children, empowering them to advocate for healthier choices in society.
Regarding healthier alternatives to contaminated staple foods, Dr Ijewere suggested that Nigerians should rethink their breakfast habits and move away from the Western tradition of eating bread. He proposed local grains such as millet, acha, and corn as nutritious substitutes for bread.
Fasheun concluded by advising Nigerians to favour natural foods over processed ones for better overall health.
Watch the full interview below;
