The Bayelsa State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the unhygienic processing of imported cowhides, popularly known as ponmo, warning that the practice poses a serious risk to public health.
The directive was issued on Thursday by the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, following a joint inspection of the state’s central abattoir with the Commissioners for Environment and Agriculture, Ebi Ben Ololo and Prof. Sese Bekes, respectively, alongside other government officials.
According to Brisibe, the inspection uncovered unsanitary conditions under which imported raw cowhides were being processed for human consumption.
He said the cowhides were allegedly washed with contaminated water and stored in conditions showing signs of decomposition, describing the situation as a major food safety concern.
“The imported cowhides were being processed into edible forms using contaminated water and stored under conditions that showed visible signs of decomposition and unhygienic handling.
“These practices are hazardous and
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