PRESS RELEASE!

My attention was drawn to a publication by the THE MAGAZINE recently about an alarm raised by the House of representatives concerning an alleged tomatoe-causing-cancer in the Nigerian markets by the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper and other National Dailies.

Obviously, that report was read out of context as it wasn't targeted at any particular person. THE MAGAZINE is an independent, private media company,
that is 100% unbiased in reports, not a political or social organization. Though our reporters have right for individual analysis, be it political, social, economic or otherwise.

Meanwhile, THE MAGAZINE conducted private investigations and interviewed some importers of tomato paste and also an association of stakeholders in edible consumer products and found the claim by the members of the house of representatives to be unfounded and without basis.

Finally, THE MAGAZINE contacted a lawyer to the Association of Stakeholders in Edible Consumer Products in Nigeria this morning and he has this to say below:

"There is absolutely no truth in the wild speculation about the so called "cancer causing tomato paste", it is a scam by a disgruntled person whose tomato paste is not doing well in the market to de-market other importers. He claims he produces tomato paste in Nigeria yet there is proof that he imports tomato paste and only cans them here.

It is impossible to have this level of a so called dangerous product in the market and NAFDAC is not aware.

We have about four degrees of tests and regulatory checks that tomato paste undergoes before it is imported into the country. Only one organization is permitted by law to make such statement after analysis and studies and that is NAFDAC. NAFDAC has NOT made any such claim.

Where are these vices of cancer traceable to consumption of imported tomato paste, which lab conducted the analysis? Is it not the right of the public to know.

This is just a callous rumor, a scare mongering tactic to cause disaffection and panic in the polity, Nigerians are smarter than this and will see through this ruse.

In any case the House of Representatives has called for a hearing and we will be there then the onus will be on the "consumer advocate" to establish his allegations.

Once again there is no truth in the allegation and we ought to discountenance it." He added.


We hereby advice the general public to always verify and investigate some certain issues before jumping into conclusion. Thanks. 

Signed 
Management