Lagos, Aug. 27, 2024 (TheGavel) — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that an online video circulating on social media about bread does not reflect the agency’s position.
The video, titled “Bread Sold in Markets Failing Laboratory Tests, NAFDAC Raises Fresh Alarm,” has been addressed by NAFDAC in a statement issued by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, on Tuesday.
Prof. Adeyeye stated that the video’s claims, suggesting that NAFDAC has raised concerns about the use of saccharin in bread, are inaccurate. The agency did not express any alarm over the use of saccharin as a sugar substitute due to its cost.
The statement clarified that NAFDAC’s observations from a stakeholders’ engagement held on August 16 in Ibadan did not include any concerns about bread failing laboratory tests.
The Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) both prohibit the use of saccharin in bread. Furthermore, all food additives, including sweeteners, undergo rigorous safety assessments by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) before they are approved for use.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that NAFDAC is a responsible regulatory body and does not make statements that could cause undue panic. Any bakers using unapproved additives, such as saccharin, are subject to appropriate sanctions under current regulations.
NAFDAC dissociates itself from the video’s claims and reassures the public of its commitment to safeguarding public health. (NAN).
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