The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that its regulatory authority does not directly and comprehensively cover unbranded palm oil, fufu and other traditionally packaged staple foods sold in open markets.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the clarification on Monday while speaking with journalists about the agency’s efforts to combat counterfeit, adulterated and potentially dangerous products across Nigeria.
According to Adeyeye, the agency received 225 complaints concerning suspected counterfeit products in August alone. She noted that more than 200 such complaints are received from members of the public through NAFDAC’s various reporting channels every month.
She encouraged Nigerians who encounter suspected fake or unsafe products to make use of NAFDAC’s official complaint platforms instead of depending primarily on claims circulated on social media.
The NAFDAC chief also raised concerns about reports of palm oil being adulterated with azo dyes and other potentially dangerous substances. She similarly expressed concern over the alleged use of bleach and other harmful chemicals in the preparation of fufu and other staple foods.
Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC’s core regulatory responsibility focuses largely on processed and packaged food products. She therefore called on state and local government authorities to intensify surveillance of traditionally packaged foods sold in open markets.
She further warned Nigerians against concluding that a product is counterfeit or unsafe based solely on social media reports. According to her, proper scientific analysis and regulatory investigation are required before such claims can be established.
Where violations are confirmed, she said NAFDAC has the authority to take enforcement measures, including seizing, recalling or destroying affected products, as well as prosecuting offenders where appropriate.
Adeyeye also clarified the responsibilities of other government agencies in food and agricultural regulation. She pointed out that certain imported agricultural products, including apples, grapes and oranges, fall under the oversight of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).
She stressed the importance of stronger cooperation between regulatory agencies, state authorities and local governments in ensuring that food products consumed by Nigerians meet appropriate safety standards.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns over the safety of food products sold in open markets and allegations of adulteration involving commonly consumed staples.
