FDA Imposes Ban on Nigerian Egusi and Kpomo Imports Over Health Concerns

By Admin

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has enforced a ban on the importation of specific food products from Nigeria, citing potential health hazards associated with their consumption.

Key among the prohibited items are Egusi (melon seed) and Kpomo (cow skin), commonly used ingredients in African cuisine and frequently stocked in African specialty stores across the United States.

Recent reports indicate a significant increase in FDA inspections targeting Nigerian imports, with instances of seizures and removals of Egusi and Kpomo originating from Nigeria.

Jackson Ude, a former presidential spokesperson, has drawn attention to the crackdown, particularly impacting African retailers like the G-Sapphire African Market in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Allegations of harmful chemical content in Nigerian-sourced Egusi have spurred FDA action, purportedly based on laboratory findings. However, detailed information regarding the banned Kpomo and other affected products remains undisclosed.

In response to the ban, an anonymous retailer from the G-Sapphire African Market disclosed that only Egusi sourced from Ghana is currently permitted for importation into the United States.

The FDA’s decision has ignited concerns within the Nigerian community and among enthusiasts of African cuisine in the United States. While emphasizing the importance of public safety, there is a growing call for transparency and scientific validation to justify regulatory measures and ensure they are grounded in credible evidence.

Ongoing efforts to obtain clarification from FDA officials regarding the ban’s specifics and its broader implications for the importation of Nigerian foodstuffs are underway.