NAFDAC CLARIFIES ITS ROLE IN REGULATING IMPORTED FRUITS AND TRADITIONAL FOODS

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has clarified that it does not have exclusive regulatory control over certain agricultural products, including apples, grapes, oranges and other imported fresh produce. NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that responsibility for such products is shared across relevant government agencies, with the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service playing a key role in the regulation of imported agricultural produce.

Adeyeye made the clarification while briefing journalists on the agency’s efforts to tackle counterfeit, adulterated and unsafe products in Nigeria. She said NAFDAC had received 225 complaints through its complaint channels in August, adding that Nigerians should report suspected unsafe products through official channels rather than relying solely on social media allegations. She stressed that claims circulating online do not automatically establish that a product is counterfeit or dangerous and should first undergo scientific testing and regulatory investigation.

The NAFDAC boss said the agency's food-safety responsibilities primarily cover processed and packaged foods, including inspection of establishments, product sampling, laboratory analysis, compliance monitoring, post-market surveillance and enforcement. Where violations are confirmed, the agency can take measures including product seizure, recall, disposal and other regulatory actions against those responsible.

Adeyeye also raised concerns over unsafe practices involving traditionally produced and unbranded foods. She said NAFDAC had identified cases involving the adulteration of palm oil with hazardous substances and the use of harmful chemicals in the production of fufu and other staple foods. However, she noted that the agency does not exercise direct and absolute control over such traditionally packaged products sold in open markets, making stronger involvement by state and local authorities necessary.

She further disclosed that NAFDAC has been addressing the unethical use of calcium carbide to ripen fruits since 2018 through restrictions on its importation and clearance, as well as public education and stakeholder engagement. Adeyeye called for stronger cooperation among government agencies responsible for different stages of the food-safety chain and urged Nigerians to use NAFDAC's official complaint channels whenever they encounter suspected counterfeit, adulterated or unsafe regulated products.