NAFDAC has issued a warning about the quality of bread available in markets, disclosing that many of these products are failing laboratory tests.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control attributes this failure to the use of saccharine by producers, a cheaper alternative to sugar, driven by the rising cost of sugar.
In addition to bread producers, NAFDAC has cautioned water producers, patent medicine dealers, and other manufacturers of regulated goods to steer clear of distributing fake and substandard products.
During a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Ibadan on Friday, Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, NAFDAC’s Southwest Coordinator, emphasized the findings of a recent operation.
She revealed that some patent medicine dealers have been found selling restricted drugs and unregistered products, while some manufacturers are not adhering to essential packaging and storage standards.
“Recently, we observed that bread sold in the markets is failing laboratory tests because producers are using saccharine due to the high cost of sugar,” Ajayi stated.
“They are introducing ingredients that are not good for the health of the consumers. We are not unmindful of the prevailing economic challenges, but the agency will not compromise its standards. It is pertinent to note that the quality and safety of regulated products cannot be compromised.”
EDITOR’S PICK:
Ajayi further explained that the purpose of the meeting was to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders, which is essential for NAFDAC to effectively protect public health.
She also pointed out that over the past year, several new regulatory measures have been put in place, some of which have been officially gazetted.
“These are meant to strengthen and sanitise the practices in the regulatory environment,” Ajayi added. “All stakeholders must embrace the culture and requirements for good practices related to each sector to guarantee quality, safety and wholesomeness of regulated products available to the citizens.”
Speaking at the event, Mr. Moses Adewole, Oyo State Director of Pharmaceutical Services, advised medicine sellers to operate strictly within their areas of expertise and issued a strong warning against selling expired drugs, likening it to distributing poison.
Mr. Oladimeji Shittu, the Oyo State Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPMED), urged NAFDAC to make these stakeholder engagement sessions a regular event to ensure continuous updates and developments.
The meeting brought together participants from various sectors, including master bakers, chemical dealers, agro-input dealers, importers, supermarket operators, and manufacturers and distributors of regulated products.
CLICK TO WATCH OUR VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Movement for Anti-Corruption, Integrity, and Transparency Initiative Critises Former President Olusegun Obansanjo Tells him to…
Sanwo-olu says administration will redouble efforts, key into Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda Lagos State Governor…
Ansarudeen College Isolo Old Students Association Reunion And Founders day celebration. Commissioning Of New Projects…