The Lagos state government has cautioned consumers against buying some cow hide, popularly known as “ponmo,” currently being sold in some markets in the state.
A statement by the director of public affairs, Lagos ministry of health, Adeola Salako, said three persons involved in the sale of the “poisonous ponmo” in Ojo and Iba local government areas of the state have been arrested.
He said large quantities of the cow-skin have been seized and that samples have been sent to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to test their suitability for consumption.
The statement quoted the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who made the existence of the poisonous ponmo known in his office on Sunday, as saying that the three persons involved have been charged to court.
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The Commissioner noted further: “Preliminary investigations and suspects tracing revealed that the traders were very active in the early hours between the hours 4.00am and 6.00am at various locations such as Volkswagen bus stop, iyana iba, Afolabi Ege Markets, all within Ojo local government and Iba local council areas of the State.
“Furthermore, a company said to be located at ijedodo area of Iba LCDA was indicted as source of supply of this toxic Ponmo and has subsequently been put under surveillance.”
Salako, called on the public to be vigilant and report any sales of unwholesome foods and food products to environmental health officer in their nearest local government or to the ministry of health.
