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 Nigeria Customs Service in Combating Hazardous Imports

Poultry production and processing are vital to the global food supply chain, providing essential sources of protein such as meat and eggs. However, this industry carries significant risks of contamination by infectious agents and chemical residues that can be harmful to human health. To safeguard public health, it is crucial to adhere to stringent precautions throughout the poultry production and processing chains.

Poultry meat and eggs can be contaminated by various infectious agents, including bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. These bacteria, commonly found in the intestines of poultry, can easily spread during processing, posing significant health risks to consumers. In addition to biological contaminants, poultry products can also contain residues of antimicrobial and anti-parasitic drugs or pesticides used on farms. These chemical contaminants add another layer of risk, especially when poultry products are not properly regulated and monitored.

The importation process can exacerbate these risks. Many poultry products are intended for consumption within days of production. However, the journey from the country of origin to Nigeria can take weeks, further compounded by additional time required for distribution within Nigeria. This extended timeline increases the likelihood of bacterial growth and spoilage, making these products potentially hazardous.

Maintaining appropriate temperatures is critical to preventing bacterial growth in poultry products. Food held between 5°C and 60°C (41°F and 140°F) for less than 2 hours can be used, sold, or refrigerated for later use. However, if food is kept within this temperature range for 2-4 hours, it can still be used or sold but must not be refrigerated again. Food held in this range for more than 4 hours must be discarded. The "Danger Zone" for poultry products, defined as temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, is where bacteria grow most rapidly, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This underscores the importance of strict temperature control during storage and transportation.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) plays an important role in protecting public health by intercepting and destroying hazardous food products. A recent operation by the NCS, Apapa Area Command, highlights the importance of these efforts. On Thursday, 11 July 2024, in Lagos, the Apapa Area Command destroyed smuggled, hazardous frozen poultry products worth N329,430,807.00. This action by the NCS's commitment to preventing the distribution of dangerous food products that could harm Nigerian consumers.

The destruction of the seized poultry products took place in Epe and was overseen by Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, represented by Deputy Comptroller Fidelis Nwanze, in charge of Enforcement. The exercise was conducted by Section 23 of the NCS Act 2023, which mandates the destruction of goods deemed unfit for human consumption. Speaking at the destruction site, DC Nwanze emphasized the importance of this action in protecting public health.

"Experts have already told us that these items are not good for human consumption. So that is why we are here to destroy it," DC Nwanze stated. He further noted that the destruction serves to discourage those who engage in the illegal importation of hazardous goods and acts as a deterrent to other potential violators.

DC Nwanze also clarified that the NCS is actively working to apprehend those responsible for importing dangerous poultry products. He urged Nigerians to avoid such goods, emphasizing the NCS's dual role in facilitating legitimate trade while preventing illicit activities.

"My message to Nigerians is that these goods are not good for human consumption, so they should avoid them. In as much as Customs wants to encourage trade facilitation, we don't allow illicit trade," he concluded.

The prevention of foodborne illnesses and the protection of public health are critical responsibilities that require vigilance and coordinated efforts across the poultry production and processing chains. The Nigeria Customs Service's proactive measures in intercepting and destroying hazardous food products are commendable and essential to safeguarding the health of Nigerian consumers. By adhering to stringent precautions and maintaining strict controls, the risks associated with poultry products can be significantly reduced, ensuring that the food reaching Nigerian tables is safe and wholesome. Written by Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate