The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety by issuing a stern warning to all bakeries across the nation to discontinue the use of harmful substances such as saccharin and bromate in bread production. The agency emphasized that the health risks posed by these chemicals far outweigh any perceived benefits, and their use is strictly prohibited.
During a News Agency of Nigeria Forum, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, made this announcement while highlighting the stringent measures the agency has implemented to tackle non-compliance within the bakery industry. She stressed that any bakery found incorporating saccharin or bromate into their bread-making process would face immediate and severe consequences. This includes the closure of the bakery and further legal actions to protect public health.
“Our post-marketing surveillance is an integral part of our operations,” Prof. Adeyeye stated. “We conduct routine inspections of products, whether prompted by complaints or as part of our proactive measures. Bakeries discovered to be using bromate in bread production have been shut down, and we will not hesitate to take similar actions against offenders in the future. If we detect or even suspect the presence of bromate, the bakery in question will be shut down without delay.”
In addition to addressing the bakery sector, Prof. Adeyeye revealed that several water-producing factories had also been shut down due to poor manufacturing practices and unhygienic conditions. These closures underscore NAFDAC’s broad regulatory mandate to protect consumers across various industries.
She further explained the role of NAFDAC’s Regulatory Inspection Directorate in upholding safety and quality standards across the production and distribution chains. According to Prof. Adeyeye, the Directorate is critical in monitoring products to ensure compliance with registration details and preventing manufacturers from altering their processes post-registration to the detriment of consumer safety.
“The Regulatory Inspection Directorate plays a crucial role in ensuring that products registered with NAFDAC remain consistent in quality and safety even after entering the market,” she elaborated. “Unfortunately, some manufacturers alter their formulas or processes post-registration. Our post-marketing surveillance activities are designed to detect such deviations, enforce compliance, and safeguard the health of consumers.”
NAFDAC’s latest actions and warnings demonstrate its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in food production and other industries under its purview. The agency continues to urge manufacturers to prioritize the safety and well-being of consumers while adhering to established regulatory guidelines.
