Illegal use of paracetamol in food preparation will be severely sanctioned – NAFDAC

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned that anybody or organisation found to be involved in the dangerous and illegal use of paracetamol tablets in food preparation will be severely sanctioned.

According to a press statement seen by BusinessDay, the agency, therefore, alerts the public on the dangerous and unapproved use of paracetamol tablets to soften meat used in food preparation, stating, “NAFDAC is seriously concerned by social media publication on dangerous and illegal use of paracetamol tablets to tenderise meat by some households and restaurant operators.

“The members of the public, especially restaurant operators are cautioned to desist from the dangerous and unapproved use of Paracetamol Tablets to soften meat used in food preparation, as such illegal practice makes food to be toxic, unwholesome and unfit for human consumption. When used to cook, paracetamol is broken down (or hydrolysed) into a toxic substance.”

The agency warns that this substance ultimately damages the liver and some other organs in the body. Thus, the consumption of toxic and unwholesome food illegally prepared using paracetamol tablets may result in serious health consequences, including liver damage, kidney failure, and untimely death.

However, the agency urges members of the public to use genuine NAFDAC registered table salt (in moderation) to tenderise meat (by soaking meat in salted water for about 30 minutes prior to cooking) to prevent serious health consequences that may result from dangerous and illegal use of paracetamol tablets in food preparation.

“Genuine paracetamol tablets registered by NAFDAC are used to relieve mild pain and if the pain persists, the patient should consult a healthcare professional for expert advice,” says the agency.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC has heightened surveillance on restaurant operators across the country to prevent the dangerous and illegal use of paracetamol tablets in food preparation.

“The members of the public are implored to contact the nearest NAFDAC Office with any information on dangerous and illegal use of paracetamol tablets in food preparation.

“Consumers are advised to report adverse events related to dangerous and illegal use of paracetamol tablets in food preparation to the nearest NAFDAC office,” it says.