Popular Nigerian health influencer and medical doctor, Chinonso Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor. Has raised a crucial health warning about the dangers of consuming improperly processed Garri. In a video shared on Monday, he explained that poorly processed Garri could potentially lead to blindness. This is due to the presence of toxic compounds naturally found in cassava the root crop from which Garri is made.
According to Dr. Egemba, cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides, particularly linamarin and lotaustralin. When improperly processed, these compounds can convert into hydrogen cyanide. A harmful substance that can negatively affect the body when consumed in large amounts.
“This hydrogen cyanide can start to affect certain tissues in your body. And one of the things it can affect is your eye the optic nerve and the retina,” he warned.
He referenced a study suggesting that individuals who regularly consume Garri may have reduced visual acuity compared to those who don’t. However, he clarified that properly processed Garri poses no health risk.
“During proper processing fermentation, drying, and other steps. The dangerous cyanide content is significantly reduced to safe levels,” he explained.
To ensure safety, Aproko Doctor advised Nigerians to consume only well-dried, crispy, and sour Garri. As moisture could indicate poor fermentation and drying. He also recommended buying NAFDAC approved and sealed Garri products as a safer alternative to unpackaged local varieties.
“The most important question you should ask is: Who processed this Garri? Was it processed properly?” he emphasized.
Dr. Egemba called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to increase its regulation and market surveillance to ensure the safety of Garri sold to the public.
His message reinforces the importance of food safety in everyday staples and urges consumers to make informed choices.
