Nigerians may be exposed to harmful pesticide residues through an everyday food item, following a National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) report that some bean samples contained chemical residues above permitted safety limits.
The agency identified pyrethroids and dimethoate among the substances detected in the samples. It warned that the misuse of pesticides, including applying excessive quantities or failing to observe prescribed waiting periods, could expose consumers, farmers and the environment to harmful chemicals.
NAFDAC also disclosed that it seized banned agrochemicals worth more than ₦800 million in Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states during 2025. In a separate operation in Kebbi State, it intercepted 67,428 litres of paraquat alongside banned atrazine products.
The findings raise concerns for households that depend on beans as an affordable source of protein, particularly amid persistent pressure on food budgets.
Consumers cannot easily determine whether beans contain unsafe chemical residues simply by examining their appearance. This makes effective regulation, responsible agricultural practices and reliable public information essential.
NAFDAC should sustain market surveillance, pursue offenders where evidence supports prosecution and educate farmers and traders on safe pesticide use.
The immediate concern is not to discourage bean consumption, but to ensure that food reaching Nigerian kitchens meets established safety standards.
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