Medical experts in Rivers state have advised residents to always look out for expiration dates of certain foods/drugs to avoid getting sick.
A medical expert, Dr. Enyioma Igboasoiyi, said when expired foods/drugs are consumed, it can lead to health problems.
“When drugs expire, its potency reduces from 100% to 10%. That means there is a high probability that the sick person who took the drug may likely not get well.
” On the other hand, there is no nutritional value when foods expire. Every single nutrient diminishes and not only that, the person who consumed the food may have symptoms such as vomiting, stomach upset, purging and so on.
” Also, depending on the type of food and how far gone it is into expiration, Some foods are okay for a couple of days after its official expiration date, others release harmful toxins because the chemicals used to preserve them have depleted.
” Some, especially fresh food, will give you food poisoning if they look very spoilt and rotten. People should be health conscious, because to be honest, if the food looks spoilt and rotten and smells bad, then you should already know not to eat it, you really do not need a medical expert to know that. Your body is a temple not a dustbin.
He also advised residents to always look out for expiration dates before consuming foods/drugs.
“Make sure you first check when a particular product is expiring before consuming it. Don’t give excuses like ‘the economy is hard, I have to manage’ or “wasting is a sin”. Remember that your health is your wealth, don’t joke with it”
Meanwhile, the Public relations officer for the National Agency for Food/Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, in Rivers state, Cyril Monye, said the agency is working tirelessly to ensure that no expired product is sold to the public.
