AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Cowpea and Beans Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (C&BFPMAN) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that beans are preserved with cement.
National President of the association, Mr. Kabir Shuaibu, made this clarification in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
A viral video had shown some young men allegedly mixing beans with a substance resembling cement, sparking public concern.
Shuaibu, however, described the allegation as false and misleading, stressing that no legitimate member of the association would engage in such harmful practices.
“We are not aware of the use of cement for the preservation of beans. As an association, we follow international best practices in preserving beans and other produce,” he said.
According to him, the association has stopped the use of chemical additives, adopting safer methods to ensure consumer health and product quality.
“Our current practice is to use thick nylon bags as liners inside the sacks before pouring in the beans. This airtight packaging prevents weevils and other insects from penetrating,” he explained.
Shuaibu noted that in some cases, a safe additive known as Topstoxin is applied in minimal quantities to protect old beans from weevils.
He added that the substance poses no health risk. Farmers also use dried peppers sealed inside the sacks as a natural insect repellent.
He emphasised that cement has no place in beans preservation, as it would be easily detected and drive away consumers.
“With the airtight nylon packaging, we have found a reliable, safe, and internationally accepted method of preservation.
It is common sense that no serious farmer would consider using cement. We will never engage in such harmful practices,” Shuaibu said.
