Bread Ban Controversy: NAFDAC’s Official Response

Key Takeaways

• NAFDAC clarified that it did not issue a statement advising Nigerians to avoid eating bread.
• The agency’s concern was about the use of saccharine in bread production, not a blanket warning against bread consumption.
• NAFDAC emphasized that the use of unapproved food additives, such as saccharine in bread, is illegal.
• The public is reassured that bread baked and sold in Nigeria is safe when produced according to regulatory standards.
• NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring consumer safety and preventing the use of harmful substances in food production.

Summary

• NAFDAC: National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
• Controversy: Misinterpreted statement about bread safety in Nigeria.
• Clarification: NAFDAC did not advise Nigerians to avoid bread.
• Saccharine: Concern over its use due to high sugar costs.
• NAFDAC’s Stand: Ensuring safety and quality of food products.
• Video Misinterpretation: A reporter’s video falsely claimed NAFDAC advised against bread consumption.
• Director-General’s Statement: Mojisola Adeyeye assured the public of bread safety.
• Regulations: Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) and Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) prohibit saccharine in bread.
• Public Assurance: NAFDAC continues to conduct risk assessments to ensure consumer safety.
• Bakers: Cautioned against using unapproved food additives.
• Consumer Safety: NAFDAC is committed to protecting public health.

Bread Ban Controversy: NAFDAC’s Official Response

In recent weeks, Nigeria’s bread lovers were left puzzled by reports circulating on social media, claiming that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had advised the public to stop eating bread due to safety concerns. The news caused widespread alarm, with many wondering if their daily staple had suddenly become hazardous to health. However, NAFDAC has since come forward to set the record straight.

The controversy began when NAFDAC’s South-West Coordinator, Roseline Ajayi, made a statement regarding the use of saccharine in bread production. According to Ajayi, some bakers have turned to saccharine as a cost-effective alternative to sugar amidst rising prices. Saccharine, a synthetic sweetener, is known to be much sweeter than sugar, but its use in bread is not permitted under Nigerian food regulations.

“We are not unmindful of the prevailing economic challenges, but the agency will not compromise its standards. It is pertinent to note that the quality and safety of regulated products cannot be compromised,” Ajayi said during an event meant to engage stakeholders in the food production sector.

However, following her remarks, a reporter created a video that went viral, suggesting that Nigerians should completely avoid bread due to safety concerns. This video quickly spread across social media, sparking panic and concern among the public.

NAFDAC’s Clarification

In response to the growing controversy, NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, issued an official statement to clarify the agency’s position. Adeyeye emphasized that at no point did NAFDAC advise Nigerians to stop eating bread. Instead, the agency’s comments were specifically about the use of saccharine in bread production, which is illegal and not approved by NAFDAC.

“At no time during that engagement with stakeholders did NAFDAC suggest that Nigerians should avoid bread baked and sold in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.

She further clarified that the content of the viral video did not accurately reflect the agency’s views or findings. According to Adeyeye, the video was the personal opinion of the reporter and should not be taken as NAFDAC’s official stance.

“NAFDAC dissociates herself from the comment of the reporter in the circulating video about avoiding bread in Nigeria. This is the personal statement of the reporter who does not speak for the Agency,” Adeyeye added.

Saccharine is an artificial sweetener that has been used for decades as a substitute for sugar, particularly in products meant for diabetic patients or those looking to reduce their sugar intake. However, its use in certain food products, including bread, is highly regulated due to concerns about its potential health effects.

The Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) and the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) do not permit the use of saccharine in bread production. This regulation is in place to protect consumers from the possible side effects of consuming saccharine, especially in large quantities. Studies have shown that excessive intake of saccharine may be linked to certain health issues, although it is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate amounts.

“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 statement noted.

One of NAFDAC’s primary responsibilities is to ensure the safety and quality of food products available to the public. This includes conducting regular inspections, testing food samples, and enforcing regulations on food additives and ingredients. The agency has reassured the public that it conducts thorough risk assessments for all food additives to ensure that they do not pose any harm to consumers.

“The Agency is a responsible regulator and does not make general statements capable of causing panic and fear in the population,” Adeyeye affirmed.

NAFDAC’s approach to food safety is based on scientific evidence and international best practices. The agency works closely with other regulatory bodies, both within and outside Nigeria, to ensure that the food products available in the country meet the highest safety standards.

The initial panic caused by the viral video highlighted the power of social media in shaping public perception, but it also underscored the importance of accurate information dissemination. Many Nigerians, especially those who rely on bread as a staple food, were understandably concerned about the safety of their food. However, the misinterpretation of NAFDAC’s message led to unnecessary fear and confusion.

Public health experts have long warned about the dangers of misinformation, particularly in matters related to food safety. In this case, the miscommunication could have had serious consequences, as bread is a significant part of the daily diet for millions of Nigerians. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for responsible journalism and careful consideration before spreading unverified information.

In light of the recent events, NAFDAC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of food products in Nigeria. The agency has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to food production. NAFDAC also urges bakers and other food producers to adhere strictly to the regulations governing the use of food additives.

“We urge all stakeholders in the food production sector to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety. The health of our citizens is our top priority, and we will not hesitate to take action against those who compromise on quality,” Adeyeye said.

NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to regulate food production and ensure public safety are crucial in maintaining consumer confidence. The agency’s work includes regular inspections, enforcement of standards, and public education on food safety issues. By working together with consumers, producers, and other stakeholders, NAFDAC aims to create a safe and healthy food environment for all Nigerians.

Table 1: Key Points of NAFDAC’s Clarification

Table 2: Approved vs. Unapproved Food Additives in Bread Production

#NAFDAC, #BreadSafety, #FoodRegulations, #PublicHealth, #ConsumerProtection, #FoodAdditives, #Nigeria, #SaccharineBan, #AccurateReporting, #HealthSafety