NAFDAC has refuted claims in a viral video advising Nigerians to avoid bread due to alleged saccharine use in production. In a press release, Director General Prof Christianah Adeyeye clarified that the video’s content does not reflect NAFDAC’s stance. While acknowledging that saccharine use in bread is not permitted by Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) or Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA), NAFDAC emphasized it has not advised consumers to avoid bread.
Adeyeye stated, “Any baker found to be using unapproved food additives, in this case, saccharine, is appropriately sanctioned in line with the extant regulatory provisions.” NAFDAC’s clarification responds to a video claiming widespread saccharine use in bread production due to high sugar costs. The video’s reporter advised consumers to avoid bread until further notice.
NAFDAC’s statement reads, “The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a video circulating on social media… The content of the video on avoiding bread in Nigeria does not reflect the observation of NAFDAC.”
The agency reassures the public, “NAFDAC remains fully alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public.”
NAFDAC dissociates itself from the reporter’s comment, stating it is a personal statement and not representative of the agency. The agency is actively monitoring the food market and taking necessary steps to ensure food safety.
Adeyeye reiterates, “NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the Agency remains committed to safeguarding public health and will continue to take appropriate action against any baker found to be using unapproved food additives.”
