NAFDAC Reacts to Use of Paracetamol to Soften Meat

Following a full disclosure online of the use of paracetamol and other similar drugs, especially by food vendors, to soften meat and reduce the cooking time, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration has condemned this practice and termed it an “abuse”.

NAFDAC’s Director of Special Duties, Mr Jimoh Abubakar, confirmed the agency’s knowledge of this situation and stressed the need to desist from using paracetamol and other counter-related drugs in cooking. He also revealed that the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Christianah Adeyeye, will soon issue an official response to the issue.

On the profiling of paracetamol, it is also known as acetaminophen, and is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Paracetamol is used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fever. It relieves pain in mild arthritis but has no effect on the underlying inflammation and swelling of the joint.