HEALTH ALERT: Poisonous Ponmo Now Selling in Ogun & Neigbouring Markets

The Ogun State Commis­sioner for Agriculture, Ronke Sokefun, has warned the public about the large quantity of poisonous cattle hide, popu­larly known as ‘Ponmo’ discovered in some markets in Ogun as well as neigbouring markets, warning against its consumption.

She said investigations showed that some unscru­pulous businessmen were taking advantage of the gap in demand and supply of the dried cattle hides to make brisk business with the adulterated ones.

“Tanning chemicals like biocides and fungicides are add­ed along the processing chain to preserve the hides against protein degradation, bacteria and mould growth that would have damaged the hides and skin. The industrial hides are later processed into the local delicacy called ‘Ponmo’ and bought by unsuspecting mem­bers of the public for consumption.

The government, being aware of the health implica­tions of the consumption of this imported hides and skin, considers it important to enlighten the public on the danger inherent in the consumption, and prevent further sales of the product as food of animal origin in the state,” she said.

She said the the toxic ‘Ponmo’ is often brownish black, foul smelling, abnormally thick with layered sections and ridiculously cheap in price compared to the real deal, adding that the toxic ‘Ponmo’ is from indus­trial hides that are meant for leather production in some Af­rican and European countries like Sudan, Italy and Japan.

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“The Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which has com­menced investigation, and placed a trail on the importer. In addition, we are in strategic liaisons with the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health and all envi­ronmental health departments of local government coun­cils to confiscate such ‘Ponmo’ at our various markets,” she said.

So, if you love ‘ponmo’ a lot, you might want to stay off for now.