The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, businesses and members of the public to curb the circulation of counterfeit, adulterated and substandard products in Nigeria.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the call on Monday while briefing journalists on the agency’s efforts to tackle suspected counterfeit and unsafe products in the country.
Adeyeye said the responsibility of protecting Nigerians from harmful products could not be left to NAFDAC alone, urging citizens to report suspected counterfeiters and unsafe products through the agency’s established complaint channels.
“Counterfeiters are not ghosts; they exist within our communities, neighbourhoods, and business premises,” she said.
According to the NAFDAC boss, the agency operates a 24-hour call centre and other complaint channels through which members of the public can report suspected regulatory violations.
She disclosed that NAFDAC receives more than 200 complaints monthly, with 225 calls recorded through its complaint channel in August.
NAFDAC Cautions Against Social Media Claims
Adeyeye said the agency was aware of recent concerns circulating on social media over allegedly adulterated, counterfeit, substandard or unsafe food products.
Products mentioned in the various claims included yoghurt, palm oil, apples, soy sauce, olive oil, chicken, fish, water and beverages.
She, however, cautioned Nigerians against treating social media allegations as established facts, stressing that claims concerning the safety or authenticity of products must undergo scientific assessment and regulatory investigation.
The NAFDAC director-general said credible reports would be subjected to appropriate laboratory analysis and investigation before the agency reaches any conclusion.
She explained that food safety regulation covers the entire farm-to-fork chain, including processing, distribution, retail and food service, with different government agencies responsible for specific aspects of the food safety system.
According to her, NAFDAC’s statutory mandate primarily covers processed and packaged foods, including documentation, inspection of establishments, product sampling and laboratory analysis.
She warned that the production, distribution, importation, exportation, advertisement, sale or use of unregistered regulated products constitutes a violation of Nigerian law.
“Under the NAFDAC Act and other applicable laws and regulations, any person engaged in the production, distribution, importation, exportation, advertisement, sale, or use of unregistered regulated products is acting unlawfully,” she said.
Agency Steps Up Enforcement
Adeyeye said NAFDAC’s regulatory activities include compliance monitoring, post-market surveillance, complaint investigation, product verification, withdrawal and recall of products, as well as enforcement actions against violators.
She assured Nigerians that credible reports of suspected counterfeit, adulterated or unsafe food products would be treated seriously.
Where violations are established, she said, the agency could issue public safety alerts, seize affected products, order recalls and disposal, and take enforcement action against individuals or businesses responsible.
Not All Food Products Fall Under NAFDAC Alone
The NAFDAC boss also clarified that some of the products recently generating public concern do not fall exclusively under the agency’s regulatory jurisdiction.
She specifically mentioned imported agricultural produce such as apples, grapes and oranges, noting that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has regulatory responsibilities for such products at relevant stages.
Adeyeye therefore advocated stronger cooperation among government agencies responsible for food safety.
She noted that inter-agency collaboration is already provided for under the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan 2023, stressing the need for relevant institutions to work together more effectively.
NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Food Adulteration
Adeyeye also disclosed that NAFDAC was intensifying efforts to address the use of chemicals in the artificial ripening of fruits, a practice she said the agency had been tackling since 2018.
She said the agency had restricted the availability of calcium carbide through permits for its importation and clearance, while also engaging stakeholders through public enlightenment campaigns, workshops and training programmes.
The NAFDAC director-general further called on state and local government authorities to strengthen monitoring of staple foods within their jurisdictions.
She said the agency had observed concerns surrounding the production, distribution and sale of palm oil, fufu and other traditionally produced staple foods.
According to her, some palm oil products packaged and sold through traditional channels had been found to be at risk of adulteration with azo dyes and other hazardous contaminants.
She also raised concerns over reports of chemicals such as bleach being added during the production of fufu and other staple foods.
“The adulteration of palm oil with azo dyes and other hazardous contaminants has been observed, particularly in palm oil packaged and presented in traditional forms,” she said.
“Fufu and other staple foods are also reported to be produced by adding bleach and other chemicals injurious to human health.”
Call for Greater Public Vigilance
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, highlighting the need for stronger involvement by state and local authorities.
She also recalled that NAFDAC issued a statement on May 18 regarding the safety and quality of bread after conducting a laboratory investigation prompted by concerns raised on social media.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspected violations rather than relying solely on unverified claims circulating online.
Adeyeye encouraged members of the public to visit NAFDAC offices nationwide or use the agency’s electronic complaint channels, including its 24-hour call centre, to report suspected counterfeit, adulterated or unsafe products.
She stressed that effective regulation, public vigilance and cooperation among government institutions, businesses and consumers remained critical to protecting public health and ensuring the safety and quality of products in the Nigerian market.
