By Milcah Tanimu

In a move to uphold public health standards, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken decisive action by sealing 50 retail outlets in Kaduna. These outlets were found to be selling edible oil in conditions that pose serious risks to public health and safety.

This crackdown forms part of NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to enforce stringent hygiene regulations in the sale of edible oil, particularly in open markets and street stalls throughout Kaduna. Mrs. Josephine Dayilim, the North-West Zonal Director of NAFDAC, underscored the agency’s concerns regarding the potential health hazards associated with consuming unhygienically dispensed edible oil, including the heightened risk of cancer.

Addressing stakeholders at a sensitization workshop organized by NAFDAC, Mike-Ima Global Resources, and the Kaduna State Chapter of the Edible Oil Dealers Association, Dayilim stressed the critical need for edible oil vendors to adhere strictly to hygiene protocols. She emphasized the importance of maintaining clean environments, using appropriate equipment, and subjecting workers to routine medical examinations to prevent contamination and safeguard consumer health.

Dayilim reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring that only registered and certified products reach consumers, affirming the agency’s role as Africa’s premier regulator of food and drug products. She emphasized NAFDAC’s dedication to safeguarding the health and lives of Nigerians by ensuring the consumption of only approved products.

Furthermore, Dayilim highlighted NAFDAC’s intention to impose appropriate sanctions on violators, including suspending offending outlets and encouraging their owners to register their facilities in compliance with NAFDAC-approved guidelines. She emphasized the agency’s alignment with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy and its willingness to collaborate to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kaduna.