We are not asking Nigerians not to eat bread baked in Nigeria – NAFDAC

NAFDAC Director, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the video does not reflect NAFDAC’s position. The National Food and Drug Administration and Control Agency (NAFDAC) has dismissed reports that it has urged Nigerians not to eat bread.

NAFDAC Southwest Coordinator, Roseline Ajayi, recently said some bread sold in the market does not pass laboratory tests because manufacturers use saccharin due to the high price of sugar.

Shortly after, a reporter videotaped Ajayi’s comments, further advising Nigerians not to eat bread.
But in a statement on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the video does not reflect NAFDAC’s position.

According to her, “During consultations with stakeholders, NAFDAC has never suggested that Nigerians should abstain from bread baked and sold in Nigeria.

“NAFDAC distances itself from the comments of the reporter in the circulated video of shunning bread in Nigeria.

“This is the personal statement of the reporter and does not represent the agency. NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that NAFDAC is in full compliance with its responsibility to safeguard the health of the public.

“The agency is a responsible regulator and will not make general statements that may cause panic or fear among the public.”

Adeyeye warned bakers in the country not to use unapproved food additives.

“Any baker using unapproved food additives, in this case saccharin, will be appropriately punished in accordance with the provisions of the law in force,” the statement added.