By Osaretin Osadebamwen
he traditional ruler of Uzi Amizi Autonomous Community in Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze Cyril Ogbenna, has raised alarm over the growing circulation of fake and adulterated honey in Nigerian markets, warning that the trend poses serious health risks to consumers and threatens the country’s honey industry.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday to mark the National Urban Beekeeping Day, Eze Ogbenna said the increasing sale of adulterated honey is eroding public confidence, depriving genuine beekeepers of legitimate income and exposing consumers to potentially harmful health conditions.
The monarch called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), other health regulators and security agencies to intensify market surveillance, strengthen quality control measures and launch a nationwide crackdown on those involved in producing and selling fake honey.
He alleged that some unscrupulous traders deceive buyers by placing dead bees inside containers of adulterated honey to make the products appear genuine before selling them to unsuspecting consumers.
He urged the Federal Government and state governments to protect Nigerians from counterfeit food products.
Eze Ogbenna advised consumers to buy honey only from trusted producers, registered outlets and recognised cooperatives, noting that doing so would discourage counterfeiters, support genuine beekeepers and reduce the health risks associated with consuming adulterated honey.
He added that patronising authentic honey producers would also help address the growing concerns over kidney and liver-related illnesses linked to unsafe food products.
The traditional ruler further encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace beekeeping as a profitable agricultural venture, describing it as affordable, environmentally friendly and capable of providing sustainable income while boosting local honey production.
