FIIRO Links Rising Organ Failure, Heart Disease to Local Grinding Machines

The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), has warned that the increasing prevalence of organ failure and cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria may be linked to foods processed with locally fabricated grinding machines.

According to the institute’s Director-General, Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, research has revealed that locally made grinders used for tomatoes, peppers, onions, melon seeds, and other food items particularly in Lagos contain traces of heavy metals including lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and manganese, as well as non-heavy metals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron.

“Prolonged consumption of food contaminated with these metals may contribute to increasing cases of cardiovascular diseases and organ failure, even among young adults,” Dr. Tutuwa warned. She noted that contamination levels in some areas exceeded safety limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), especially in regions with high traffic density and industrial activity.

She explained that while heavy metals occur naturally, they become hazardous through bioaccumulation and excessive concentration in the food chain. Cadmium, in particular, poses serious ecotoxicological risks due to its widespread industrial application.

Dr. Tutuwa stressed the urgent need for stronger regulation, enforcement, and public awareness to reduce the national burden of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and organ failure.