By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Officials of Lagos State government have arrested three persons connected with the sale of toxic cow skin popularly known as ‘Ponmo’ in Ojo and Iba Local Government and Local Council Development Areas of the State and confiscated a large amount of the poisonous substance.
Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, Dr. Jide Idris, who disclosed this over the weekend after reviewing the report of preliminary investigation and enforcement carried out on the sale of the toxic ‘Ponmo’, stated that the three persons involved have been charged to Court while samples of the confiscated ‘Ponmo’ have been sent to the NAFDAC Laboratory for further suitability for human consumption test analysis.
Mr 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.
According to him, “Preliminary investigations and suspects tracing revealed that the traders were very active in the early hours between 4.00am and 6.00am at various locations such as Volkswagen bus stop, Iyana Iba and Afolabi Ege Markets, all within Ojo local government and Iba LCDAs of the State”.
“Furthermore, a company said to be located at Ijedodo area of Iba LCDA was indicted as being the source of supply of the toxic Ponmo and has subsequently been put under surveillance”, Mr Idris said.
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 Officers in the nearest LGA, the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Agriculture.
He also advised the public against the purchase and consumption of foods whose sources are doubtful or perceived to be hazardous to human health and wellbeing.
Reiterating the commitment of the State government to the protection and promotion of good health for its citizens, Idris noted that government will always ensure that only healthy foods are available for consumption in the Lagos State.
Adedapo Adesanya