The House of Representatives has called for an urgent investigation into the alleged contamination of foods processed with locally fabricated grinding machines widely used in Nigerian markets and food processing centres.

The resolution followed a motion by Wale Raji, representing Epe Federal Constituency, Lagos State, who cited concerns from the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi.

The institute warned that some locally made grinders for tomatoes, peppers, onions, and melon seeds may contain heavy metals such as lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and manganese at levels exceeding WHO and FAO safety limits.

Raji noted that prolonged exposure to these metals can cause kidney and liver damage, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and increased cancer risk, stressing that weak regulation and inadequate certification of local food processing equipment could endanger millions of Nigerians.