Gambian smoke fish vendors debunk the use of insecticide amidst investigation

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By Binta Barry-Jaye

The smoke fish sellers in the Gambia have debunked the audio circulating on social media, that certain vendors are using the sniper insecticide on their smoked-fish for preservation.

The sniper (insecticide chemical) causes dangerous health hazards to human beings and the environment.

In February 2019, the National Environment Agency (NEA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health issued a warning and banned the chemical in the country but that does not stop it from being used.

Following the allegation last week, Kaddy Sohna, a fish smoker and vendor at the Serrekunda Market has debunked the allegation, saying it does not make any sense.

”I was born in this business for more than 25 years, I have never seen anyone using sniper to preserve fish. We are talking about chemical. I think if anyone consumed this chemical it must have side effects like stomach ache or vomiting,” said Kaddy Sohna, adding, “I cannot imagine someone consuming it for years without any problem? It does not make any sense.”

Another smoke fish vendor told this reporter that the rumour on the social media has seriously affected their business.

“Sales is not going as usual now, people are not buying smoke fish. I have never seen anyone using a sniper, but if there is any one doing it, you should know that you are killing people,” Fatou Jaiteh said

Explaining the dangers of the insecticide, Jaiteh said the chemical should not be inhaled in the first place not to talk of consuming it.

Sainabou Mboob also refuted the allegation, saying that they only used firewood to dry the fish and cover them with cartons and salt to drive away flies: “I don’t think anyone in their right senses can use a deadly chemical to preserve food.”

The Communication Officer of Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA), Etheine Sylva said the authorities are working hard to come to the root of the problem.

He added that samples were collected and they are conducting test on them.

“Any outcome will tell the next step. We prefer not to give out any information as far as the investigations are concerned,” Etheine Silver told journalists.