**Food for Thought: The Hidden Dangers in Our Grinding Machines** Have you ever stopped to think about the humble grinding machine that sits in your kitchen, quietly churning out our favourite sauces and spices? While it may seem like a harmless kitchen tool, a recent revelation from the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) has raised alarming concerns about the potential health risks associated with locally fabricated grinding machines. According to FIIRO's Director-General, Dr Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, our love for locally processed foods may be putting us at risk of cardiovascular diseases and organ failure. The institute's research, which dates back to 2013, discovered that many of these machines are contaminated with heavy metals like lead, copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and manganese, as well as non-heavy metals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. These metals, while naturally occurring, become hazardous when they accumulate in our food chain. The implications of this discovery are far-reaching. For instance, prolonged consumption of food contaminated with heavy metals may lead to a surge in cases of cardiovascular diseases and organ failure among young adults. In some areas, contamination levels even exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) safety standards. To mitigate this crisis, FIIRO has designed a stainless-steel pepper grinding machine that reduces contamination risks. However, the solution lies not just in technological innovation but also in stronger regulations, enforcement, and public awareness. By working with stakeholders like the National Assembly, the Office of the First Lady, and other partners, FIIRO aims to promote safer alternatives through mass production, distribution, monitoring, and maintenance. As Nigerians, we must be vigilant about the food we eat and the tools we use to process it. By supporting safer alternatives and advocating for stronger regulations, we can reduce the burden of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and organ failure nationwide. It's time to rethink our relationship with our grinding machines and prioritize our health and well-being.