Former Big Brother Naija housemate and medical doctor, Tjay, has raised concerns about the possible health risks associated with consuming shawa, a popular dried fish used in Nigerian meals.

In a video shared online, Tjay claimed that the fish could contain mould, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, warning that some of these substances may pose health risks, including an increased risk of cancer.

He identified the whitish substance sometimes found on the fish as mould and cautioned that soaking it in water might not remove all potentially harmful substances.

Tjay advised consumers to soak the fish for at least one hour before removing its head and skin. He claimed that about 50 per cent of the toxins could be concentrated in the head.

He also recommended choosing smaller-sized shawa fish, arguing that they were less likely to contain harmful substances.

“The tiny ones are less toxic,” he said.

However, the claims were not accompanied by laboratory findings or scientific evidence in the video.