The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has addressed recent confusion about the safety of bread consumed in Nigeria.
The agency has clarified that it did not issue any warnings against eating bread from local producers, contrary to claims circulated in a viral video.
The controversy began after a video surfaced online, suggesting that NAFDAC advised Nigerians to avoid bread because it allegedly contains saccharine, a sugar substitute.
This video created widespread concern, as it implied that bread sold across Nigeria might be unsafe due to the use of saccharine.
However, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, has since clarified the situation. In a statement released on Tuesday, Adeyeye confirmed that the agency had not issued any such warnings about bread.
She emphasised that the claims made in the viral video were a misinterpretation of remarks made by Roseline Ajayi, NAFDAC’s South-West Coordinator, during a recent event.
Ajayi’s comments were originally made on August 16, 2024, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State. She mentioned that some bread samples were failing laboratory tests due to the use of saccharine as a cheaper alternative to sugar.
This comment was specific to a certain issue observed in the South-West region, not a nationwide problem.
“The video does not accurately reflect the observations of NAFDAC during the stakeholders’ engagement,” Adeyeye stated.
“We strongly dissociate ourselves from the misleading statements in the video and reassure the public that NAFDAC remains committed to its role in safeguarding public health.”
Adeyeye stressed that the viral video represented the personal views of the reporter and did not represent NAFDAC’s official position.
“At no time during that engagement did NAFDAC suggest that Nigerians should avoid bread baked and sold in Nigeria,” she said.
The Director-General also noted that NAFDAC does not permit the use of saccharine in bread. “The Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) and the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) prohibit saccharine use in bread,” Adeyeye explained.
“Any baker found using unapproved additives, including saccharine, will face sanctions according to existing regulatory provisions.”
Food safety is a critical concern, and additives like saccharine are subject to rigorous safety assessments before approval.
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) assesses these sweeteners to ensure their safety for consumption.
However, both the NIS and GSFA have specific rules about which additives are allowed in bread production.
NAFDAC’s clarification is aimed at calming public fears and ensuring that consumers continue to make informed choices based on accurate information.
The agency’s statement highlights its commitment to transparency and effective regulation to protect consumers.
In response to the confusion, NAFDAC has called on media outlets and the public to verify information before spreading it.
“The Agency is a responsible regulator and does not make general statements capable of causing panic and fear in the population,” Adeyeye added.
