Bayelsa halts unsanitary treatment of foreign leather imports

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The Bayelsa State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the unhygienic processing of imported cowhides, popularly known as ponmo, warning that the practice poses a serious risk to public health.

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The directive was issued on Thursday by the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, following a joint inspection of the state’s central abattoir with the Commissioners for Environment and Agriculture, Ebi Ben Ololo and Prof. Sese Bekes, respectively, alongside other government officials.

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According to Brisibe, the inspection uncovered unsanitary conditions under which imported raw cowhides were being processed for human consumption.

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He said the cowhides were allegedly washed with contaminated water and stored in conditions showing signs of decomposition, describing the situation as a major food safety concern.

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“The imported cowhides were being processed into edible forms using contaminated water and stored under conditions that showed visible signs of decomposition and unhygienic handling.

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“These practices are hazardous and pose serious threats to public health and individual well-being. They must stop with immediate effect,” Brisibe said.

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The commissioner said Governor Douye Diri had directed the immediate activation of a multi-sectoral monitoring team to clamp down on illegal and unhygienic food processing activities across the state.

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According to him, the task force will intensify inspections of food processing facilities, confiscate unsafe products and ensure they are removed from circulation.

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“Following the directive of Governor Douye Diri, a multi-sectoral monitoring team has been activated to crack down on these illegal and unhygienic practices and ensure every unsafe product is removed from circulation,” he said.

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Brisibe added that the government had also ordered compulsory health screening for food processors and enhanced surveillance of abattoirs and other food handling facilities.

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He urged residents to report suspected cases of unhygienic food processing to the appropriate authorities.

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“We encourage the public to adopt a ‘See Something, Say Something, Take Action’ approach by reporting suspicious or unhygienic food processing activities to the relevant authorities,” he said.

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He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing food safety regulations through collaboration among the Ministries of Health, Environment, Agriculture and other relevant agencies.

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