The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns over harmful pesticide residues detected in some beans sold in Nigerian markets.
According to Vanguard, the agency disclosed that a recent study found pesticide residues exceeding permitted safety limits in certain bean samples.
NAFDAC Director-General Professor Mojisola Adeyeye revealed the findings during a media briefing on pesticide use in agricultural produce in Lagos.
She explained that the agency had intensified surveillance to tackle the circulation and misuse of banned agricultural chemicals.
The regulator also disclosed that enforcement operations in 2025 led to the seizure of prohibited agrochemicals worth more than N800 million across Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states.
NAFDAC warns against unsafe pesticide use
Adeyeye explained that some farmers and produce handlers used pesticides improperly, creating potential health risks for consumers.
“Improper pesticide use can cause serious health problems, including death,” she warned.
The agency identified pyrethroids and dimethoate among the pesticide residues detected above permitted levels in some bean samples.
NAFDAC also reported intercepting 67,428 litres of paraquat and banned atrazine products during a separate operation in Kebbi State.
Adeyeye stressed that pesticides could be useful for agricultural production when properly approved and applied.
However, she warned against excessive application, the use of prohibited products and failure to observe recommended waiting periods before harvesting.
The agency maintained that some harmful effects of pesticide exposure might develop gradually rather than appearing immediately.
NAFDAC assured Nigerians that it would continue monitoring agricultural produce and enforcing regulations against unsafe chemicals.
It also encouraged farmers, traders and other stakeholders to comply with approved food safety practices.
