Yetolani Olaoye-Fasheun, a renowned nutritionist and dietitian has issued a stark warning that consuming substandard bread could potentially lead to infertility in men. In a recent interview on News Central’s “Jasiri,”, she highlights the critical need for Nigerians to prioritize the quality of their food, particularly in a nation where flour-based products are a staple in many households.
Olaoye-Fasheun emphasized the grave risks associated with contaminated flour-based foods, which she noted could have carcinogenic effects and lead to damage to vital organs. “Substandard bread is not just a dietary issue—it’s a health crisis,” she asserted, calling on consumers to be more vigilant about the sources and quality of the bread they consume.
The nutritionist acknowledged the efforts of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in combating substandard food products but suggested that the agency could enhance its effectiveness by establishing a specialized body solely focused on monitoring food quality and consumption.
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Patrick Ijewere, founder and CEO of the Nutrition Hospital and Wellness Centre, advocated for Nigerians to consider eliminating bread from their diets altogether. He highlighted the often-overlooked dangers of the bread-making process, particularly the chemicals involved in wheat cultivation and preservation. “If you knew the amount of chemicals used in the cultivation of wheat from farming to preservation, you would not consume bread,” Dr. Ijewere warned.
Dr. Ijewere’s concerns were underscored by a recent report from NAFDAC, which revealed that substandard bread is circulating widely in the Nigerian market. He pointed to a statement by former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, who disclosed that much of the wheat imported into Nigeria has been stored for five to ten years, raising alarms about the heavy use of preservatives and potential contamination before the wheat even reaches consumers.
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The experts agree that reversing the health impacts of consuming such contaminated foods is incredibly challenging, as the damage to the body can be severe and long-lasting. Olaoye-Fasheun called for a nationwide public education campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of substandard foods, suggesting that outreach efforts should target public spaces, hospitals, and places of worship.
Dr. Ijewere also stressed the importance of educating the younger generation, encouraging children to become advocates for healthier food choices in their communities. He suggested that Nigerians reconsider their traditional breakfast habits and explore healthier, locally-sourced alternatives to bread. Millet, acha, and corn were proposed as nutritious substitutes that could help mitigate the health risks associated with contaminated staple foods.
Olaoye-Fasheun concluded the interview with a simple yet powerful piece of advice: Nigerians should favor natural foods over processed ones for better overall health outcomes. The experts’ warnings serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of food quality in maintaining health and preventing life-threatening diseases.
