Poisonous bites: How poor hygiene taints puff-puff, buns business

In Lagos, Nigeria, the daily journey of popular street snacks like puff-puff, buns, and doughnuts begins before dawn. Workers mix dough in large bowls, racing to supply vendors who will sell them to commuters, schoolchildren, and office workers. These snacks are a favorite for many due to their affordability and availability.

However, a closer look reveals a disturbing reality behind the golden-brown treats. Investigations into production centers, such as one on Okeleye Street in Oshodi, uncovered deeply unsanitary conditions. These facilities often feature makeshift structures with pit toilets and dingy bathrooms nearby. Boreholes serving as water sources are located close to soakaway pits, and used containers awaiting washing are sometimes placed directly on these pits.

Flies swarm the premises, and a pungent stench hangs in the air, creating an unpleasant and unhealthy environment. Similar scenes were observed at other production centers across Lagos. At a kiosk in the Ketu area, snacks were prepared on a drainage channel, with refuse heaps nearby. Uncovered products were exposed to dust from passing vehicles and swarms of flies.

Despite these conditions, business continues uninterrupted, with customers purchasing snacks as they sizzle in hot oil. The report highlights significant regulatory gaps and widespread unhygienic practices, raising serious concerns about the safety of these widely consumed street foods for the millions of Nigerians who rely on them daily.