DG Warns Against Counterfeit Foods, Urges Nigerians To Report Suspected Offenders
…Agency Flags Palm Oil Adulteration, Harmful Chemicals In Some Staple Foods
Daud Olatunji
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has disclosed that it received 225 complaints over suspected counterfeit products in August, amid growing concerns over adulterated foods and other unsafe products in circulation across the country.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the agency’s efforts to tackle counterfeit, adulterated and unsafe products.
Adeyeye said the August figure reflected a steady stream of complaints from members of the public, noting that the agency receives more than 200 complaints monthly through its official reporting channels.
“We received over 200 complaints from Nigerians monthly; in August, we received 225 calls through the NAFDAC complaint channel,” she said.
The disclosure came amid growing public concerns over the safety of food products, with several claims circulating on social media about allegedly contaminated or adulterated yoghurt, palm oil, apples, soy sauce, olive oil, chicken, fish, water and beverages.
However, the NAFDAC boss cautioned Nigerians against declaring products fake or dangerous solely on the strength of social media posts.
She said allegations involving suspected counterfeit or unsafe products must be subjected to scientific testing and regulatory investigation before definitive conclusions could be reached.
Adeyeye urged Nigerians to report suspicious products and suspected counterfeiters directly to NAFDAC, stressing that information from consumers remained crucial to the agency’s enforcement activities.
“Counterfeiters are not ghosts; they exist within our communities, neighbourhoods, and business premises,” she said.
According to her, NAFDAC’s 24-hour call centre and other complaint channels allow the agency to assess reports and determine whether further investigation is required.
She said complaints received from members of the public had provided important leads in efforts to identify suspected counterfeiters and remove unsafe products from circulation.
….NAFDAC cautions against social media panic
Adeyeye also warned against the spread of unverified food safety claims on social media, saying such reports could create unnecessary panic among consumers.
She acknowledged the growing public interest in food safety but stressed that claims concerning allegedly contaminated products must be backed by scientific evidence.
The DG said proper laboratory evaluation and regulatory investigation would strengthen food safety reporting and help distinguish genuine public health concerns from what she described as emotionally driven or potentially commercially motivated narratives.
She explained that NAFDAC’s mandate covers inspection of food manufacturing establishments, product sampling, laboratory analysis, compliance monitoring, post-market surveillance, complaint investigation, product verification, recall and enforcement.
Where violations are established, she said, the agency could seize, recall or dispose of affected products and take appropriate enforcement action.
Adeyeye further warned that the production, distribution, importation, exportation, advertisement, sale or use of unregistered regulated products was unlawful under the NAFDAC Act and other applicable laws.
…Palm oil, fufu raise fresh concerns
The NAFDAC DG raised particular concern over the reported adulteration of palm oil with azo dyes and other hazardous contaminants, especially palm oil packaged and sold through traditional channels in open markets.
“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.
She also raised concerns over reports that fufu and other staple foods were being produced using bleach and other chemicals capable of causing harm to human health.
However, Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC does not have “direct and absolute regulatory oversight” over unbranded palm oil, fufu and some other traditionally packaged staple foods sold in open markets.
She consequently called on state and local authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement within their jurisdictions.
The call is significant because a substantial portion of traditionally processed and packaged food products reaches consumers through informal markets and channels outside conventional industrial food-processing systems.
…NAFDAC clarifies role on imported fruits
Adeyeye also clarified NAFDAC’s regulatory responsibilities concerning some imported agricultural products that have recently featured in food safety discussions.
She said imported agricultural produce such as apples, grapes and oranges falls under the responsibility of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, stressing the need for stronger cooperation among relevant government agencies.
According to her, the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its 2023 implementation plan provide a framework for inter-agency collaboration on food safety.
…Agency tackles chemical fruit ripening
The NAFDAC chief said the agency had also been tackling the unethical ripening of fruits since 2018.
She said measures adopted by the agency included restrictions on the availability of calcium carbide, public enlightenment campaigns and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
Adeyeye urged Nigerians not to ignore suspected food safety violations but to channel their concerns through official regulatory mechanisms.
She said prompt complaints from consumers could provide vital information for regulators to trace suspected offenders, investigate products and take action where violations were established.
The NAFDAC boss urged Nigerians to remain vigilant while avoiding the spread of unverified claims, stressing that effective food safety protection required cooperation among consumers, regulators, state and local authorities and businesses.
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