The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reassured Nigerians about the safety and quality of locally produced bread following recent concerns about its health risks. The agency’s clarification comes after rumors and misinformation spread across social media platforms, claiming that locally made bread in Nigeria contains harmful chemicals and preservatives.

In a statement, NAFDAC emphasized that there is no truth to the allegations and that Nigerian bread is safe for consumption. The agency assured the public that all bread sold in the country undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the necessary health and safety standards. NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, addressed the issue directly, stating, “NAFDAC would like to reassure the public that the bread being consumed is safe and of good quality. Our food safety standards are designed to protect consumers, and we continuously monitor and regulate food products in the market.”

The concerns about bread safety arose after viral posts on social media claimed that bread in Nigeria contains dangerous levels of certain chemicals used as preservatives. The posts suggested that these chemicals could cause health problems such as cancer and other serious illnesses. This misinformation quickly spread, causing panic among consumers and prompting many to question the safety of the bread they buy daily.

In response, NAFDAC has debunked these claims as baseless and urged Nigerians to disregard such false information. The agency clarified that it regularly inspects bakeries and tests bread samples to ensure compliance with health regulations. “All bread produced in Nigeria must meet the strict standards set by NAFDAC before it is allowed to be sold to consumers,” Professor Adeyeye explained. “We take food safety very seriously and have a robust system in place to monitor and control the quality of all food products, including bread.”

NAFDAC also highlighted the role of responsible information sharing in maintaining public trust and preventing unnecessary panic. The agency urged Nigerians to rely on verified sources of information regarding food safety and to avoid spreading unverified claims on social media. “It is important for the public to rely on credible sources of information. NAFDAC is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of food products, and we encourage people to check with us if they have any concerns,” the statement read.

Local bakers and the Nigerian Association of Bakers have welcomed NAFDAC’s intervention, expressing relief that the agency has addressed the misinformation. They affirmed their commitment to maintaining high standards in bread production and ensuring that all their products are safe for consumers. A representative from the association stated, “We are grateful to NAFDAC for clarifying this issue. As bakers, we adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by the regulatory authorities, and we want to assure our customers that the bread we produce is of the highest quality.”

The agency’s swift response is part of its broader effort to maintain public confidence in Nigeria’s food supply chain. NAFDAC has reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers from any harmful substances and ensuring that all food products in the market are safe. The agency conducts regular inspections and tests to ensure compliance with national and international food safety standards.

Consumers have expressed mixed reactions to the recent developments. While some have voiced concerns over the spread of false information, others have called for more transparency in the food production process to ensure continued consumer confidence. NAFDAC has responded by promising to enhance its communication efforts and provide more frequent updates on food safety issues to keep the public informed.

As the agency continues its work to protect public health, it has urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious food products or activities to the appropriate authorities. “Together, we can ensure that the food we consume is safe and of good quality,” Professor Adeyeye concluded.

Source: Business Day