In a warning issued in Akure, the Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said that counterfeit and adulterated drinks are now being linked to a rise in liver and kidney disease among young people in the state.
Dr Roland Bola Arohunmolase, chairman of the NMA’s Ondo chapter, cited earlier incidents in Odigbo and Irele where suspected adulterated beverages reportedly claimed at least 50 lives, and an incident in Ilere that was traced to methanol poisoning. He said investigations are still underway but the changing age profile of patients is “worrisome.”
“Traditionally, when you profile some diseases, there are certain age groups in which you do not commonly find them,” Arohunmolase said. “When a disease no longer conforms to its traditional profile, it becomes a cause for concern.” He added that cases of liver cirrhosis among teenagers and liver and kidney disease among people aged 22‑30 require closer medical investigation.
The association urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the Ondo State Government and other regulatory bodies to conduct aggressive, unannounced inspections of markets, supermarkets, hotels, bars and shops suspected of stocking counterfeit beverages. It also called for the seizure and destruction of products that fail to meet safety standards and the prosecution of those responsible for their production and distribution.
Manufacturers were advised to strengthen anti‑counterfeiting measures by using tamper‑proof seals, holograms, unique QR codes and product‑tracking systems to enable consumers to verify authenticity. Consumers were warned to be wary of drinks sold at prices significantly below prevailing market rates and to inspect seals, labels and packaging before purchase.
“As medical professionals who are supposed to be the custodians of public health, we needed to bring this to the public’s notice before writing to the relevant authorities,” Arohunmolase said. He urged anyone who suspects they have consumed a fake or contaminated beverage to seek medical attention immediately, rather than wait for symptoms to develop.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
