The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has moved swiftly to debunk a recent video circulating online that suggested Nigerians should avoid consuming bread due to the alleged use of saccharine in its production.
In a press release signed by the Director General, Prof. Christianah Adeyeye, NAFDAC clarified that the agency has not advised consumers to avoid bread, contrary to the claims made in the video.
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While acknowledging that the use of saccharine in bread is not permitted by the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) or the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA), NAFDAC emphasized its commitment to safeguarding public health. “Any baker found to be using unapproved food additives, in this case, saccharine, is appropriately sanctioned in line with the extant regulatory provisions,” Adeyeye stated, reassuring the public that the agency is taking necessary steps to ensure compliance.
The video in question had claimed that NAFDAC had raised concerns about the widespread use of saccharine in bread production due to the high cost of sugar, and had advised consumers to avoid bread until further notice. However, NAFDAC has now set the record straight, stating that the content of the video does not reflect the agency’s stance.
NAFDAC explained that its observation during a stakeholders’ engagement held on August 16, 2024, in Ibadan, Oyo State, was misinterpreted by the video’s reporter. “At no time during that engagement with stakeholders did NAFDAC suggest that Nigerians should avoid bread baked and sold in Nigeria,” the agency clarified.
The agency further assured the public that it is actively monitoring the food market and taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of food products consumed in Nigeria. “NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the agency remains fully alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public,” the statement read.
