The Kwara State Government has sealed a cold room in Ilorin, the state capital, for allegedly selling spoiled fish to unsuspecting residents.
Officials of the state Ministry of Environment discovered the decayed fish during an inspection exercise and immediately traced the source to the cold room, located within the metropolis. The officials promptly moved to seal the facility to stop further sale of the unsafe products.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Environment, Mrs. Nafisat Buge, said the swift action became necessary to protect public health and prevent residents from consuming unwholesome food.
“It is unbecoming of any trade outlet where products meant for human consumption are being sold to offer spoiled items,” the commissioner said. “Our officials have done the needful by halting further sales, confiscating the products, and sealing off the premises.”
Buge condemned the act, describing it as “inhuman, unlawful, and ungodly.” She warned business owners across the state against selling contaminated, expired, or improperly preserved food products, stressing that the government would not hesitate to take strict action against offenders.
She added that the ministry would continue routine inspections of markets, shops, and cold rooms to ensure compliance with environmental and food safety standards.
“We cannot compromise the health of our people. Any outlet found selling bad food items will be sealed immediately, and the owners will face prosecution,” she said.
The commissioner also appealed to members of the public to be alert and to report any suspicious sale of spoiled or expired food items to the Ministry of Environment or the nearest law enforcement agency.
Residents have since praised the government’s action, describing it as timely and necessary to protect the public from foodborne illnesses.
