NAFDAC Directs Food Manufacturers to Cut Down Industrial Fats

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a directive mandating food manufacturers in Nigeria to significantly reduce the use of industrially produced trans fats in their products. The agency announced that the regulation aims to safeguard public health and curb the rising cases of heart disease and other diet-related illnesses linked to the excessive consumption of unhealthy fats.

According to NAFDAC, food manufacturers have been given an 18-month window to comply with the new standard by reformulating their products and phasing out existing stocks that exceed the approved limit of trans fats. The directive applies to producers of cooking oils, margarines, baked goods, snacks, and other processed foods that typically contain industrial fats.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that the move marks a decisive shift from policy design to full enforcement. She emphasized that the health implications of trans fats can no longer be ignored, describing them as a “silent killer” responsible for a growing number of cardiovascular-related deaths globally. Adeyeye said the agency will enforce strict compliance, but also provide technical support and training to manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises that may struggle to adapt to the new standards.

Under the new regulation, all food products will be required to meet a maximum limit of two grams of trans fats per 100 grams of total fat content. Food companies must also ensure that product labels clearly indicate whether industrial trans fats are present, giving consumers the information needed to make healthier choices. NAFDAC stated that these measures align with international best practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has urged countries to eliminate industrial trans fats from their food supply.

To ensure a smooth transition, the agency has introduced a comprehensive roadmap that focuses on reformulation, compliance monitoring, laboratory testing, and public awareness. During the 18-month transition period, food producers are expected to exhaust existing inventories and switch to healthier oil alternatives. After the deadline, any product that fails to meet the established standard will be seized, and defaulters may face regulatory sanctions.

The enforcement strategy also includes strengthening laboratory capacity across the country to detect the level of trans fats in food samples. NAFDAC disclosed that it is collaborating with other government institutions and development partners to equip testing laboratories and train personnel to handle the technical aspects of food analysis. The agency is also partnering with health organizations and civil society groups to create public awareness campaigns on the dangers of consuming foods high in industrial fats.

Professor Adeyeye reiterated that protecting citizens from preventable diseases remains a top priority for the agency. She noted that many Nigerians unknowingly consume foods with high levels of trans fats, particularly fried and baked goods, which contribute to the risk of heart disease, obesity, and stroke. She stressed that the new regulation will not only improve public health outcomes but also enhance consumer confidence in locally manufactured food products.

While commending the new directive, public health experts and advocacy groups have urged NAFDAC to maintain consistency in enforcement. They said that previous health-related policies often suffered from weak monitoring and lack of penalties for violators. However, with clear guidelines and cooperation from the food industry, the experts believe the new measure could save thousands of lives in the coming years.

Industry players have reacted with mixed feelings to the development. Some major manufacturers expressed support for the initiative, acknowledging that the long-term health benefits outweigh the initial financial costs of reformulation. Others, especially small-scale producers, have raised concerns about the cost implications of changing production processes, sourcing healthier raw materials, and updating packaging to meet labelling requirements. They appealed to the government to consider offering incentives or tax reliefs to help them adapt to the new standards without significant financial strain.

In response, NAFDAC assured that it would work closely with manufacturers to ease the implementation process. The agency said it plans to provide continuous technical support, training, and guidance to ensure that compliance is widespread and sustainable. It also reaffirmed that it will not compromise public health for commercial convenience, adding that the risks associated with trans fats—including high blood pressure and coronary artery disease—make the regulation a necessary intervention.

The agency’s initiative has received commendation from local and international health organizations, which have praised Nigeria for taking bold steps to join the global movement against harmful fats. The WHO had earlier identified Nigeria as one of the few African nations implementing global best-practice policies to eliminate trans fats.

As the countdown to the compliance deadline begins, the success of NAFDAC’s policy will depend largely on the cooperation of manufacturers, consumer awareness, and strong enforcement. For millions of Nigerians, the new directive promises a future of safer, healthier food options. The move also reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens from preventable diseases and promoting better nutrition through effective regulation and industry accountability.