17th June, 2023
By Dorcas Elusogbon
A dietician, Dr. Salami Akorede, has called on NAFDAC to regulate the mode of processing cow hide into “ponmo’’ for human consumption.
Akorede is the Director, Dietetics Department at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Ile-Ife on Saturday that the popular mode of burning cow hide on naked fire to produce “ponmo’’ was deleterious to health.
He stressed that the process of burning cow hide on naked fire made the product to become potential source of cancer when consumed regularly.
“Where it is well processed, `ponmo’ is a good source of protein, water, energy and micronutrients which contain fibre that aid digestion.
“In producing ponmo, processors should regulate the exposure of the cow hide to naked fire so as to minimize the formation of nitrates on them.
“Ponmo can also serve as alternative to meat as it is cheap and affordable.’’ Dr Akorede said.
The dietician urged consumers to ensure they take `ponmo’ alongside other protein-rich sources like meat, fish, crayfish and soya balls to complement their protein supply.
He charged the Federal Government to reduce taxes on fish and chicken so as to make them affordable as source of protein.
“More people should be encouraged to take to animal husbandry to reduce the in-take of ponmo,’’ Akorede stated.