Disease centre, WHO call on NAFDAC to probe ogogoro crisis

National Centre for Disease Control in Nigeria and World Health Organisation have called on National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to conduct an investigation into the 38 persons that died after drinking ogogoro ( local gin) in Ondo and Rivers states.

Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, stated this in Abuja, yesterday.

He said NAFDAC will soon begin to confiscate ogogoro and conduct sensitisation across the country.

He said: “Fifteen left over samples of the local gin (ogogoro) were collected by the officials of Ondo State Ministry of Health and were submitted to NAFDAC Laboratory, Oshodi, for analysis.

“The results of the laboratory investigation revealed Methanol toxicity. Five of the samples were found to contain high concentration of Methanol in them (4.53 to 16.92%) which is equivalent to 4500mg/L-169,200mg/L.

“Blood methanol concentration above 1500-2000mg/L will certainly lead to death in untreated patients.

“This high concentration of Methanol contained in the local gin is unwholesome and unfit for human consumption.”

He said samples from there have been sent to laboratories for further analysis and the results will be communicated to the public once received.

He called on the public to desist from the consumption of unregistered spirit and unregistered bitters.

Orhii said: “Immediate reporting and evacuation to the nearest tertiary health institution as quick intervention can save lives. States should collaborate with National Centre for Disease Control in establishing special treatment centres for such cases.”