NMA raises alarm over ‘fake drinks’ linked to liver, kidney diseases
NMA raises alarm over ‘fake drinks’ linked to liver, kidney diseases
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ondo state chapter, has raised concerns over the proliferation of counterfeit beverages in the state.
Speaking with journalists on Monday in Akure, the state capital, Roland Arohunmolase, NMA chairman in Ondo, said medical observations had shown that young people were developing serious liver and kidney conditions.
The association, however, could not provide figures for the cases recorded in recent months because some were still under investigation.
“Traditionally, when you profile some diseases, there are certain age groups in which you do not commonly find them. When a disease no longer conforms to its traditional profile, it becomes a cause for concern,” he said.
Arohunmolase said liver cirrhosis among teenagers and people in their 20s was particularly concerning, adding that the consumption of unhealthy alcoholic drinks could be among the risk factors.
He said further investigations were needed to establish the causes of individual cases.
The NMA chairman also recalled incidents involving suspected adulterated drinks in Odigbo and Irele, saying that the incidents resulted in at least 48 deaths.
He said the state had previously recorded a similar incident in Ilere involving the consumption of methanol, an industrial chemical that can cause severe poisoning.
The association warned that counterfeit beverages could contain dangerous substances and that their distribution was not limited to informal markets.
It alleged that fake products had found their way into supermarkets, hotels, bars and other retail outlets, exposing consumers to potentially harmful substances.
The NMA also expressed concern that some adulterated drinks could be produced under unhygienic conditions using industrial chemicals and contaminated water, potentially causing acute poisoning and long-term organ damage.
NMA SEEKS CRACKDOWN ON FAKE DRINKS
The association urged the FCCPC and relevant Ondo state authorities to conduct unannounced inspections of markets, supermarkets, hotels, bars and shops suspected of selling counterfeit beverages.
It also called for the seizure and destruction of products that fail safety and quality standards, as well as the prosecution of manufacturers, distributors and retailers found culpable.
The NMA further urged beverage manufacturers to strengthen anti-counterfeiting measures through tamper-proof seals, holographic security features, unique QR codes and product-tracking systems to help consumers verify the authenticity of their purchases.
It advised consumers to be cautious of drinks sold at prices significantly below prevailing market rates and to inspect bottle seals, labels and packaging before purchasing them.
Arohunmolase said the association intended to engage relevant government agencies but decided to alert the public immediately because of the potential health risks.
“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,” he said.
Arohunmolase advised people who suspected they had consumed fake or contaminated drinks to seek medical attention promptly rather than wait for symptoms to develop.
“Whenever you consume something you suspect is not okay, it may not be advisable to wait until the symptoms start manifesting. You should seek medical advice on time,” he said.
