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Nigerians warned to beware of Cancer risk due to bromate use in bread

Bread, long regarded as a global dietary cornerstone, has found its place in households around the world, including Nigeria, where it remains a quick and affordable meal choice.

Combined with everything from spreads to seeds, it has been a symbol of sustenance for centuries. In fact, more than two millennia ago, Jesus himself urged his disciples to pray for their “daily bread” (Matt 6:11), underscoring its importance in everyday life.

Yet, despite its widespread consumption, bread has become a silent carrier of danger, thanks to the unethical practices of some bakers.

Researchers across Nigerian cities have uncovered alarming levels of potassium bromate and toxic heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, chromium, and nickel in several popular bread brands.

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The consumption of bread contaminated with these harmful substances poses serious long-term health risks, including kidney failure, cancer, and neurological disorders.

Potassium bromate, a chemical commonly used as a flour improver, is at the center of the controversy. While it enhances the texture and lightness of bread, it is also a potent carcinogen.

Prolonged exposure to potassium bromate can result in devastating health effects, including kidney damage and cancer.

Studies have revealed that bread samples from cities like Ado-Ekiti, Ile-Ife, Port Harcourt, Yobe, and Lagos contain dangerously high amounts of potassium bromate—far exceeding the acceptable limits set by global health organizations.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend a daily intake limit of 0.02 mg per kg of potassium bromate in bread.

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However, many Nigerian bread brands have shown levels well above 0.05 mg/kg, putting consumers at risk.

In response, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has repeatedly warned bakers to stop using harmful substances like saccharin and bromate in bread production, threatening to shut down businesses that fail to comply.

However, the Professional Bakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN) has pushed back, calling for more robust action against rogue bakers who put profit over safety, arguing that their members produce safe and hygienic bread.

The use of potassium bromate in bread making has become widespread due to its low cost and effectiveness in improving dough quality.

It acts as an oxidizing agent during fermentation, modifying the gluten structure and resulting in a softer, lighter loaf. However, the benefits of using bromate come at a heavy price—one that could affect the health of millions.

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Alongside potassium bromate, heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury have been found in bread products.

While trace amounts of certain metals are necessary for human health, excessive exposure can be harmful, causing cancer, developmental issues, kidney damage, and neurological disorders.

For example, prolonged exposure to cadmium can lead to lung cancer, kidney problems, and hypertension, while lead exposure can damage the nervous and immune systems, leading to developmental delays and even autism in children.

Bakers who continue to use these dangerous chemicals do so to meet demand quickly and cheaply.

Despite NAFDAC’s 2003 ban on potassium bromate in flour milling and baking, many bakers still use it to enhance the texture and volume of bread, knowing that its presence is not always detectable by consumers.

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NAFDAC’s call to enforce regulations more strictly is critical, as failure to do so could result in further harm to public health.

While the agency has made efforts to curb the use of these harmful substances, the continued prevalence of toxic bread shows that more action is needed to protect consumers.

In the face of growing evidence of widespread contamination, it’s clear that the simple loaf of bread many Nigerians rely on daily has become more than just a source of sustenance—it’s a potential health hazard.

It’s time for consumers to demand safer, cleaner bread, and for authorities to ensure that bakeries operate within strict health and safety standards to safeguard public well-being.

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Fake Medical Doctor sent to jail for allegedly removing womb causing woman’s death

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Fake Medical Doctor sent to jail for allegedly removing womb causing Woman’s death

An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Wednesday ordered the remand of a 55-year-old fake doctor, Moyosore Johnson, in a correctional centre for allegedly causing the death of a woman.

Johnson, whose address was not provided, was arraigned on a four-count charge bothering on conspiracy and accelerating cause of death.

Magistrate Kausarat Ayofe did not take the plea of the defendant for lack of jurisdiction.

She directed the police to return the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.

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Ayofe adjourned the case until March 27, for mention.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Segun Adegboye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 5, 2024, at about 10.00 a.m, at Apata Igbala Hospital Iseyin, Oyo State.

Adegboye alleged that the defendant unlawfully accelerated the cause of the death of one Badirat Adebayo, 26, by carrying out surgery on her.

He alleged that the defendant removed Adebayo’s womb, which led to her death.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 516 and 319 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.(NAN)

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Group seeks support for military to capture Bello Turji, other Terrorists

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Group seeks support for military to capture Bello Turji, other Terrorists

The North-West Youths for Peace and Development (NWYPD), a non-governmental organisation, has called for the suppprt of the people in the region for the military in its renewed onslaught against Bello Turji and other terrorists in the region.

The Coordinator of the group, Salihu Bello, made the call while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Bello also urged the people to show appreciation to the Armed Forces of Nigeria for its relentless efforts to tackle the activities of Bello and other bandits.

‘The military needs our to restore peace and order in the North West.

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“While our region is seeking ways to advance economically, here we are dealing with forces of retrogression, people who don’t want our region to make progress.

“Unfortunately they are our people. How did we get here? Who are the people directly or indirectly supporting them?

“The North-West Youths for Peace and Development commend the Gen. Christopher Musa led Armed Forces of Nigeria for what is been done to restore peace in our region.

“We once more appeal to our people to support the military,” he said. (NAN)

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Police operatives arrest 5 suspects for alleged murder of 7-year-old boy, Vigilante Commander

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Police operatives arrest 5 suspects for alleged murder of 7-year-old boy, Vigilante Commander

The Police Command in Edo says it has arrested five suspects in connection with two different killings in the state.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Benin, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in charge of the command, CSP Moses Yamu.

Yamu said that the killings include an alleged gruesome murder of a 7-year-old boy, and the assassination of a local vigilante commander.

He said that one Mr John Okojabhole, a resident of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street in Irrua, reported the murder of his son, Evans Okojabhole, on Feb. 22.

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According to him, the boy, who had been declared missing 24 hours earlier, was later found dead with his stomach ripped open, his ankles severed, and some fingers cut off.

”His mutilated body was dumped in a bush near their home.

”Following preliminary investigations, two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.

“The police transferred the suspects to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) in Benin for further investigation.”

The PPRO said that in another incident, the command was investigating the killing of one Victor Ogedengbe, 50, the Vigilante Commander of Erah Camp in Owan East Local Government Area of the state.

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”Ogedengbe was reportedly attacked and killed in his farm on Feb. 25 by suspected herdsmen.

”The Chairman of Owan East LGA reported the incident at Afuze Police Division, prompting a swift investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects.

”The suspects are all residents of Erah community, and they have also been transferred to the SCID for further interrogation,” he said.

Yamu, disclosed that the police had also increased security in Uzanu and Okpekpe communities following the recent killing of two farmers by suspected herdsmen.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in the state.

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He quoted the commissioner as urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agents by reporting suspicious activities.

“We appreciate the support from the general public and appeal for continued cooperation. If you see something, say something,” the police boss was quoted as saying. (NAN)

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