NAFDAC DG: NIGERIANS VERY IGNORANT ABOUT FOOD SAFETY REGULATION
Nigerians are "very ignorant" about food safety regulation, according to the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye. In an interview with BusinessDay TV, Adeyeye explained that many people do not understand the roles of agencies responsible for food safety and pesticide regulation.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the agency's mandate to ensure the safety and quality of food products, medicines, and other regulated items in Nigeria.
NAFDAC's Role in Food Safety Regulation
The NAFDAC is responsible for ensuring that food products, medicines, and other regulated items meet the required standards for safety and quality in Nigeria. This includes regulating the importation, production, and distribution of these products to protect consumers from harmful substances and substandard products.
Challenges in Ensuring Food Safety
Prof. Adeyeye acknowledged the challenges faced by NAFDAC in enforcing food safety regulations in Nigeria. She highlighted the need for improved collaboration between the agency and other stakeholders, including the government, industry players, and consumers, to tackle the issue of food adulteration and substandard products.
Raising Awareness
To raise awareness about the agency's mandate, NAFDAC plans to engage with various sectors of society, including schools, religious bodies, and community leaders. The Director-General emphasized the importance of educating the public about the risks associated with consuming adulterated or substandard food products and how to identify them.
Call for Consumer Participation
Prof. Adeyeye urged consumers to play a more active role in ensuring food safety by reporting suspicious products to NAFDAC and being vigilant when purchasing food items. She emphasized the importance of supporting legitimate traders and businesses that adhere to food safety standards.
Conclusion
While acknowledging the challenges faced by NAFDAC in Nigeria's food safety landscape, the Director-General emphasized the agency's commitment to upholding food safety standards and educating the public on the importance of this issue. By engaging with various sectors of society and encouraging consumer participation, NAFDAC aims to tackle the problem of food adulteration and substandard products in the country.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>