The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has distanced itself from recent claims urging Nigerians to avoid eating bread due to safety concerns.
The agency addressed the issue following a statement made by Roseline Ajayi, NAFDAC’s South-West Coordinator, which was reportedly misinterpreted in the media.
Ajayi had initially commented on the use of saccharine in bread production, noting that some producers were resorting to the substance due to the high cost of sugar.
“We are not unmindful of the prevailing economic challenges, but the agency will not compromise its standards. It is pertinent to note that the quality and safety of regulated products cannot be compromised,” Ajayi stated.
However, after Ajayi’s remarks, a reporter released a video suggesting that Nigerians should completely avoid consuming bread, a claim that quickly gained traction online.
In response, NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, issued a statement on Tuesday clarifying the agency’s position.
“At no time during that engagement with stakeholders did NAFDAC suggest that Nigerians should avoid bread baked and sold in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.
She emphasized that the content of the video does not accurately reflect the agency’s observations.
“NAFDAC dissociates herself from the comment of the reporter in the circulating video about avoiding bread in Nigeria. This is the personal statement of the reporter who does not speak for the Agency. NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the Agency remains fully alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public,” Adeyeye added.
The agency also cautioned bakers against using unapproved food additives, specifically highlighting the illegality of using saccharine in bread production.
“Any baker found to be using unapproved food additives, in this case, saccharine, is appropriately sanctioned in line with the extant regulatory provisions,” the statement noted.
NAFDAC reiterated that the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) and the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) do not permit the use of saccharine in bread.
Adeyeye concluded by assuring the public that NAFDAC conducts thorough risk assessments for food additives to ensure consumer safety.
“The Agency is a responsible regulator and does not make general statements capable of causing panic and fear in the population,” she affirmed.
