The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to bakeries nationwide, cautioning against the use of saccharin and bromate in bread production. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, delivered the warning during a News Forum, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to ensuring food safety and public health.
Strict Consequences for Violators
Prof. Adeyeye made it clear that bakeries found using these harmful chemicals would face severe penalties. She underscored the role of the agency’s post-marketing surveillance in identifying non-compliance.
“We go out routinely to look for certain products; sometimes it may be due to complaints received through our reform office. We have closed down a few bakeries because they are using bromate during bread production,” she stated.
She further explained that when there is evidence or suspicion that bromate has been used in bread, the bakery involved will be immediately shut down.
Monitoring and Inspections
NAFDAC’s Regulatory Inspection Directorate plays a critical role in maintaining food safety standards. Prof. Adeyeye elaborated on how the agency ensures that products on the market remain consistent with those initially approved during the registration process.
“When we do inspections at the beginning, we take samples and test the products. Sometimes, after registration, producers start altering the production process or formula. This is why post-marketing surveillance is so important. It ensures that what they brought to us is still what is in the market,” she explained.
Broader Efforts to Ensure Hygiene and Quality
The Director-General also highlighted NAFDAC’s actions against substandard practices in other sectors, noting that many water-producing factories have been shut down for operating in unhygienic environments.
“Our Regulatory Inspection Directorate ensures that products meet the standards set during registration. If we find any deviations, we take action to maintain quality and safety. This is what we call market control,” she said.
Commitment to Public Safety
The agency’s vigilance in identifying and eliminating harmful practices underscores its dedication to safeguarding public health. NAFDAC’s proactive approach involves routine inspections, testing, and immediate enforcement actions to ensure compliance.
Prof. Adeyeye’s warning serves as a reminder to all food producers to adhere strictly to safety regulations. Consumers are encouraged to report any suspected violations to NAFDAC to help maintain the integrity of food products in the market.
By enforcing these measures, NAFDAC aims to protect Nigerians from the potential health hazards posed by harmful chemicals and substandard production practices.
