NAFDAC Raises Concerns Over Bread Quality in Nigeria, Cites Saccharine Use
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarms about the quality of bread in Nigerian markets, revealing that some producers are using saccharine, a low-cost artificial sweetener, instead of sugar. This practice, driven by rising sugar costs, poses potential health risks to consumers.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan, NAFDAC’s Southwest Coordinator, Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, emphasized the agency’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards despite economic challenges. She warned that the use of unapproved additives like saccharine compromises bread quality and endangers public health.
In addition to bread producers, NAFDAC also cautioned water producers, patent medicine sellers, and other manufacturers against distributing substandard or counterfeit products. Inspections revealed that some sellers were offering restricted drugs and unregistered items, while others failed to meet packaging and storage requirements.
Ajayi called for greater cooperation from all stakeholders to prioritize consumer health and safety. She reaffirmed NAFDAC’s resolve to strictly enforce regulations, ensuring that economic pressures do not compromise public health.
The meeting also addressed new regulatory measures and encouraged participants, including bakers, chemical dealers, and agro-input suppliers, to uphold quality and safety standards in their products.
