The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a strong warning to bakeries across Nigeria, cautioning against using harmful substances such as saccharin and bromate in bread production.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that bakeries caught using these substances would face severe consequences.
“We are committed to ensuring that bread production in Nigeria meets safety standards,” Adeyeye said. “If we discover or even suspect the use of bromate in bread, we will immediately shut down the bakery involved. This is non-negotiable.”
Prof. Adeyeye explained that the agency conducts routine inspections to monitor compliance with safety regulations.
“Our post-marketing surveillance plays a vital role in protecting consumers. We carry out inspections regularly, sometimes prompted by public complaints through our reform office,” she explained.
According to her, several bakeries have already been shut down for violating safety standards, particularly for using bromate—a substance banned due to its potential health risks.
The NAFDAC boss also revealed that numerous water production factories have been closed for failing to meet hygiene and quality standards.
“We have taken action against water-producing factories engaged in substandard or unhygienic practices. Maintaining quality is critical for public health,” she said.
Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the importance of the Regulatory Inspection Directorate in maintaining compliance.
“Our Regulatory Inspection Directorate ensures that what is registered with us is the same product that remains in the market.
Unfortunately, some manufacturers alter their production processes or formulas after registration. Post-marketing surveillance helps us address these deviations and safeguard public health,” she noted.
The Director-General reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to enforcing safety standards and urged all food producers to adhere strictly to regulations.
“Consumers’ safety is our priority,” Adeyeye concluded. “We will continue to monitor, inspect, and enforce compliance to ensure that only safe and quality products are available in the market.”
