The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has detected high levels of methanol and Cannabis indica in locally produced alcoholic and herbal drinks suspected to be responsible for the deaths of 48 people in Ondo State.
NAFDAC also reported that 182 people had fallen ill in connection with the incident, while seven victims suffered blindness.
The agency disclosed this in an update on Friday signed by its Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, concerning the mass poisoning recorded in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga, with Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu reportedly recording the highest number of cases.
According to NAFDAC, five victims became completely blind while two others suffered partial blindness.
“Disturbingly, 5 persons have been rendered totally blind and 2 partially blind,” the agency stated.
Of the affected persons, NAFDAC said 90 were admitted to hospitals and later discharged, 31 received outpatient treatment, while six remained hospitalised as of September 17.
The agency said victims presented symptoms including headaches, general weakness and body pains, visual problems, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness.
It added that some patients deteriorated rapidly and that cases had spread beyond Odigbo to Irele Local Government Area.
NAFDAC noted that the figures remained subject to further verification.
To determine the cause of the incident, the agency said 15 unlabelled samples of the suspected drinks were subjected to laboratory tests, including acute oral toxicity testing, gas chromatography and microbiological analysis.
The preliminary results, according to NAFDAC, showed that 11 of the 15 samples contained Cannabis indica, while gas chromatography detected high concentrations of methanol.
“Preliminary findings are gravely concerning: 11 of the 15 samples tested positive for cannabis indica, and gas chromatography confirmed the presence of high concentrations of methanol – a highly toxic substance that causes blindness, organ failure, and death,” the agency said.
NAFDAC further disclosed that laboratory mice exposed to six of the samples recorded approximately 50 per cent mortality during acute oral toxicity tests, suggesting that the substances had significant toxic effects.
It said further laboratory examinations were underway to determine the exact methanol concentrations and establish whether other toxic substances were present.
Meanwhile, 15 suspects have been arrested over the alleged production, sale and distribution of the implicated beverages.
NAFDAC said surveillance, treatment and other measures to contain the incident were ongoing in collaboration with relevant public health authorities.
The agency warned Nigerians against consuming unregistered alcoholic or herbal mixtures whose ingredients and safety could not be established.
“NAFDAC strongly warns the public against the purchase or consumption of unlicensed, unregistered, and locally prepared alcoholic or herbal concoctions of unknown composition,” it said.
It advised anyone who develops sudden visual problems, severe headaches, breathing difficulties or altered consciousness after consuming such products to seek urgent medical attention.
Adeyeye expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and assured the public that “every necessary regulatory action is being taken.”
