NAFDAC silent on garri cyanide testing as millions of Nigerians battle vision loss

Concerns have emerged over cyanide levels in garri as experts warn that poorly processed cassava products could contribute to visual impairment.

According to Peoples Gazette, NAFDAC could not confirm whether cyanide testing is mandatory during registration of packaged garri or how frequently market surveillance is conducted.

“We have parameters for what they check in the laboratory,” NAFDAC spokeswoman Christiana Obiazikwor said. “So I don’t know what parameters they test.”

Nigeria’s standard limits total cyanide in garri to 20mg per kilogramme. Tests commissioned by The Gazette on three samples found cyanide levels between 1.44mg/kg and 2.15mg/kg, all within the permitted limit.

Ophthalmologist Ugwu Chinedu cautioned against directly blaming garri for blindness.

“The issue is not that ‘eating garri causes blindness’. Rather, chronic consumption of poorly processed cassava products under certain conditions may increase the risk of toxic optic nerve damage,” he said.

Experts recommend proper processing and balanced diets to reduce potential risks.