NAFDAC Unleashes Bold Measures Against Unbranded Foods in Open Markets

Infostride News has reported that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is taking decisive steps to address the influx of unbranded cereals and industrial-sized food items into open markets. In a recent stakeholders’ end-of-year open dialogue, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, expressed her concerns regarding the potential health hazards associated with the sale of unbranded milk and cereals in unsanitary conditions.

Adeyeye emphasized the necessity of curbing the presence of bulk food items in markets, investigating their origin, which could be traced back to manufacturing plants or their suppliers. One key aspect highlighted by the director general is the agency’s meticulous scrutiny of companies seeking approval to use these items in the production of NAFDAC-registered products.

In her statement, Adeyeye expressed her worry about the sale of these items in open markets, measured and dispensed through scoops. She stated, “We are looking at that process of issuing permits for bulk food raw materials very critically.” This indicates a heightened awareness of the potential risks associated with unregulated sale and distribution of food items.

To address these concerns, Adeyeye announced the implementation of enhanced measures to assess and verify utilization records of companies applying for import permits for bulk food raw materials. The agency now requires detailed information on imports and past usage, going beyond mere stock cards. Adeyeye explained, “We want to know what you imported in the previous year. We want to know what you used because there are some calculations that we need to make.” This move aims to ensure transparency and discourage excessive requests by companies, aligning their import permit applications with evidence of past utilization.

While acknowledging the profit motives of businesses, Adeyeye underscored the importance of preventing the diversion of such items into open markets. She expressed NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. Particularly, the agency aims to discourage the unhygienic practice of measuring milk and cereals in cups and measures in 2024.

The proactive approach taken by NAFDAC has received commendation from industry stakeholders. Mr. Fred Chiazor, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Association of Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), lauded NAFDAC for its collaborative stance with industry players. He highlighted the agency’s proactive measures as fostering a win-win scenario for the growth of the food industry.

This collaborative and proactive approach between NAFDAC and industry stakeholders signifies a concerted effort to address the challenges posed by unbranded and bulk food items in open markets. By tightening regulations and ensuring transparency in the importation and utilization of bulk food raw materials, NAFDAC aims to create a safer and more regulated environment for both consumers and businesses in the food industry.

Infostride News continues to monitor and report on developments related to NAFDAC’s initiatives to enhance food safety standards and curb the infiltration of unbranded and bulk food items into open markets.