House of Reps to investigate NAFDAC, SON, others over safety of consumables

On Jul 2, 2021

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee to investigate the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria over safety information on consumable products manufactured or imported in Nigeria.

The resolution is based on a motion that was in complete accordance and was adapted at the plenary on Thursday, titled, “Need to Enforce Compliance with the Inclusion of Health/Dietary and Safety Information on Consumable Products Manufactured or Imported into the Country.”

The House is concerned about the increased decline in the level of enforcement by these regulatory bodies in ensuring that products, especially edible items sold within the country, carry reliable, verifiable and sufficient dietary and nutritional information on the labels of the products.

“Many Nigerians have unknowingly consumed foods that have caused them serious health challenges because of false or misleading dietary information found on products.

“There is need to take decisive action on the matter at a time when Nigeria’s borders have reopened and cases of smuggling are still on the rise,” the house said.

Nigeria to avoid being a dumping ground for all manner of products and perceived as a population of hungry people who will consume anything simply because it has been manufactured, especially abroad.

Martha M/ Punch