By Milcah Tanimu

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a clarification in response to a misleading video circulating online that suggests Nigerians should avoid consuming bread due to alleged saccharine use in its production.

In a statement released on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director General Prof. Christianah Adeyeye addressed the misinformation, stating that the video’s claims do not align with the agency’s official position. NAFDAC confirmed that saccharine is not permitted as an additive in bread under the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) or the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA). However, the agency has not advised consumers to avoid bread.

Adeyeye emphasized NAFDAC’s commitment to public health, reaffirming that the agency will continue to enforce regulations against any baker using unauthorized food additives. “Bakers using unapproved additives, such as saccharine, will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with regulatory provisions,” Adeyeye said.

The clarification comes after a video suggested that NAFDAC had expressed concerns over the widespread use of saccharine in bread due to sugar costs and advised consumers to avoid bread until further notice.

The statement highlighted that NAFDAC did not make any such recommendations during a stakeholders’ engagement on August 16, 2024, in Ibadan, Oyo State. NAFDAC emphasized that it does not make statements intended to create public panic. “Any claims that suggest NAFDAC has advised the public to avoid bread are false and do not reflect our official position,” the statement read.

NAFDAC reassured the public of its ongoing vigilance in monitoring food safety and maintaining regulatory standards to protect consumer health.