The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that it does not exercise direct regulatory control over unbranded palm oil, fufu and other traditionally packaged staple foods sold in open markets.
The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists on NAFDAC’s efforts to combat counterfeit, adulterated and potentially unsafe products across Nigeria.
Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC received 225 complaints concerning suspected counterfeit products in August, noting that the agency receives more than 200 complaints from members of the public each month through its various reporting channels.
She urged Nigerians to report suspected counterfeit or unsafe products through NAFDAC’s official complaint channels rather than relying primarily on social media.
According to her, the agency’s 24-hour call centre and other reporting platforms enable officials to assess complaints and determine whether further investigation is necessary.
Adeyeye said NAFDAC was aware of concerns raised in recent media and social media reports about allegedly adulterated or unsafe products, including yoghurt, palm oil, apples, soy sauce, olive oil, chicken, fish, water and beverages.
However, she cautioned that social media claims alone could not establish whether a product was counterfeit or dangerous, stressing that scientific testing and regulatory investigations were necessary to verify such allegations.
She explained that NAFDAC’s food regulatory responsibilities largely cover processed and packaged products. These responsibilities include inspecting establishments, collecting samples, conducting laboratory analysis, monitoring compliance, carrying out post-market surveillance, investigating complaints, verifying products and enforcing recalls where necessary.
The NAFDAC boss added that the production, distribution, importation, exportation, advertisement, sale or use of unregistered regulated products is prohibited under the NAFDAC Act and other relevant laws.
She said the agency has the authority to seize, recall or dispose of affected products and take enforcement action whenever regulatory violations are established.
Concerns Over Palm Oil and Fufu
Adeyeye raised concerns about the alleged adulteration of palm oil with azo dyes and other hazardous substances, particularly products packaged and sold traditionally in open markets.
She also expressed concern over reports that chemicals, including bleach, are sometimes added to fufu and other staple foods during production.
According to her, such practices could pose serious risks to public health.
Despite these concerns, Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC does not have direct and absolute regulatory oversight over unbranded palm oil, fufu and other traditionally packaged staple foods sold in open markets.
She therefore called on state and local authorities, as well as other relevant government agencies, to strengthen monitoring and enforcement within their respective jurisdictions.
NAFDAC Clarifies Role in Imported Fruits
The NAFDAC DG also clarified that some agricultural products mentioned in recent reports, particularly imported fruits, do not fall solely under the agency’s regulatory responsibility.
She explained that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) is responsible for imported agricultural produce such as apples, grapes and oranges.
Adeyeye stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among government agencies responsible for food safety and quality control.
She noted that the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its 2023 implementation plan provide a framework for cooperation among the relevant agencies.
The NAFDAC chief further disclosed that the agency has been addressing the unethical ripening of fruits since 2018 through measures aimed at restricting the availability of calcium carbide, alongside public awareness campaigns and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
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