NAFDAC’s Director General has clarified that the agency did not issue any advice for Nigerians to avoid bread, addressing recent misinformation regarding the safety of the popular food item.
Moji Adeyeye, the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), reassures Nigerians that NAFDAC has not discouraged them from consuming bread.
Adeyeye dismissed as untrue a video circulating on social media alleging that the agency had expressed apprehension regarding bread safety in Nigeria, according to his statement made on Tuesday.
According to her, the video that implies NAFDAC warned Nigerians against consuming bread because of saccharine use by certain producers is not in line with NAFDAC’s findings from their interaction with stakeholders on August 16, 2024, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
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Adeyeye explained that the use of saccharine in bread is prohibited by both the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) and the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA).
“Sanctions will be imposed on any baker caught utilizing unapproved additives such as saccharine in accordance with the current regulatory guidelines,” she cautioned.
She stressed that the Agency never advised Nigerians to refrain from consuming bread made in their country.
“We firmly disassociate ourselves from the deceptive claims made in the video and assure the public of NAFDAC’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the health protection of our country.”