We Don’t Have Absolute Control Over Unbranded Palm oil, Fufu Sold in Open Markets: NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that it does not have direct and absolute regulatory control over unbranded palm oil, fufu and other traditionally packaged staple foods sold in open markets.

The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists on NAFDAC’s efforts to tackle suspected counterfeit, adulterated and unsafe products across the country.

Adeyeye also disclosed that the agency received 225 complaints about suspected counterfeit products in August, with more than 200 complaints reportedly reaching NAFDAC through its various channels every month.

“We received over 200 complaints from Nigerians monthly; in August, we received 225 calls through NAFDAC complaint channel,” she said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

She urged Nigerians to report suspected counterfeit products through NAFDAC’s official complaint channels rather than relying solely on claims circulating on social media.

“Counterfeiters are not ghosts; they exist within our communities, neighbourhoods and business premises,” Adeyeye said.

She explained that NAFDAC’s 24-hour call centre and other reporting channels enable the agency to assess complaints and determine whether further investigation is required.

The NAFDAC boss acknowledged growing concerns over allegedly adulterated or unsafe products, including yoghurt, palm oil, apples, soy sauce, olive oil, chicken, fish, water and beverages.

However, she cautioned that social media posts alone are not sufficient to establish that a product is counterfeit, adulterated or unsafe.

Adeyeye said scientific assessment was necessary to properly determine the safety and authenticity of products, rather than relying primarily on claims made online.

She explained that NAFDAC’s food regulatory mandate largely covers processed and packaged products. Its responsibilities include inspection, sampling, laboratory testing, compliance monitoring, post-market surveillance, investigating complaints, product verification, recalls and enforcement.

The agency urged consumers with concerns about suspected unsafe or counterfeit products to report them through its official channels so they can be properly investigated and verified.