The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a ban on the use of ethoxyquin as an antioxidant in feed for food-producing animals. This decision follows a comprehensive review of scientific evidence, suggesting that ethoxyquin might be associated with various health-related issues in animals and humans.
According to NAFDAC’s Director General, Christianah Mojisola Adeyeye, “Ethoxyquin (EQ, 6-ethoxy-1, 2-dihydro-2, 2, 4-trimethylquinoline) is widely used in animal feed to protect it against lipid peroxidation. It cannot be used in any food for human consumption, but it can pass from feed to farmed fish, poultry, and eggs, so human beings can be exposed to this antioxidant.”
She further explained that “Lipid autooxidation is a cascade phenomenon ensuring continuous delivery of free radicals, which initiate continuous peroxidation. This results in food rancidity, which manifests itself as the change in taste, scent, and color and a decrease in the shelf life of the product.”
While ethoxyquin is known for its high antioxidant capacity and cost-effectiveness, there have been concerns about its potential health-related problems in dogs and humans, including cancer. In light of these concerns, NAFDAC has decided to ban the use of ethoxyquin in feed for food-producing animals.
This regulatory measure aims to protect both animal and human health by eliminating the potential risks associated with ethoxyquin.
