Former Big Brother Naija housemate and medical doctor, Tjay has warned Nigerians about the possible health risks of eating shawa fish, claiming that the popular dried fish may contain mould, cancer-linked chemicals and heavy metals.
In a video shared online, Tjay said the whitish substance found on the fish was mould and claimed that it could also contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which he described as carcinogenic.
He warned that soaking the fish does not necessarily remove the substances, despite its popularity as an ingredient in Nigerian meals.
“Guys, see this shawa, this dry fish is one of the most toxic fishes that we eat in the country,” he said.
Tjay advised consumers to soak the fish for at least one hour before removing the head and skin, claiming that about 50 per cent of the toxins were concentrated in the head.
He also urged Nigerians to choose smaller-sized shawa fish, claiming that the tiny ones were less toxic.
“The tiny ones are less toxic,” he added.