‘Shawa fish is one of most toxic fishes we eat’ — Tjay raises alarm

Former Big Brother Naija contestant and medical doctor Tjay has issued a health warning regarding the consumption of shawa fish, a popular dried fish in Nigeria. In a video circulated online, Tjay expressed concerns that shawa fish may contain harmful substances, including mold, cancer-causing chemicals, and heavy metals.

Tjay highlighted the whitish substance often found on shawa fish as mold, and indicated that the fish could also harbor polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are associated with an increased cancer risk. Despite the widespread use of shawa fish in Nigerian cuisine, he cautioned that soaking the fish does not eliminate these potential health hazards.

In the video, Tjay stated, “Guys, see this shawa; this dry fish is one of the most toxic fishes that we eat in the country.”

He recommended that consumers soak the fish for a minimum of one hour before preparing it, advising that the head and skin should be removed afterward, as he believes about 50 percent of the toxins are concentrated in the head. Additionally, he encouraged Nigerians to opt for smaller-sized shawa fish, asserting that they tend to be less toxic.

“The tiny ones are less toxic,” Tjay noted.

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