NEWS
NAFDAC Clarifies Role in Regulation of Unbranded Palm Oil, Fufu, Other Staple Foods
NAFDAC Clarifies Role in Regulation of Unbranded Palm Oil, Fufu, Other Staple Foods
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that it does not exercise direct regulatory oversight over unbranded and unpackaged staple foods sold in open markets across Nigeria.
The Director-General of NAFDAC made the clarification during a press conference on Tuesday, explaining the agency’s regulatory limits regarding commonly consumed food items such as palm oil, fufu and other staple products traded without formal packaging or branding.
According to the agency, unbranded and unpackaged staple foods sold directly in open markets fall outside NAFDAC’s direct regulatory mandate. Responsibility for ensuring the safety, quality and hygienic handling of such products rests primarily with sub-national authorities.
The clarification provides an important distinction between NAFDAC-regulated packaged and branded food products and staple foods sold in their raw or traditionally prepared form in local markets.
While NAFDAC remains responsible for regulating food products within its statutory mandate, including ensuring that regulated products meet established safety and quality standards, state and local authorities are expected to oversee food safety practices within open markets and other areas under their jurisdiction.
The development also places greater emphasis on the role of state and local governments in protecting consumers who purchase unpackaged food items from markets, where issues such as hygiene, storage, handling and environmental sanitation can directly affect food safety.
NAFDAC’s clarification is expected to help the public better understand the respective responsibilities of federal and sub-national authorities in regulating food products and safeguarding the health of consumers across the country.
