NAFDAC Urges Nigerians to Check Food Labels Carefully

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to food labels when purchasing packaged food. In the first episode of its #NAFDACExplains series shared on its official X handle, food safety expert Abubakar Umar emphasized that many consumers often overlook vital information on labels, focusing instead on brand, packaging, or price.

He identified four critical elements to check: the date marking, ingredient list, nutrition information panel, and the NAFDAC registration number. Umar advised consumers to verify the expiry date to ensure the product is within its shelf life, examine the ingredient list for allergens, and review the nutrition facts panel for important nutrient information.

He stressed that checking for a valid NAFDAC registration number indicates that the product has undergone the agency's registration process. NAFDAC reiterated that spending a few seconds reading food labels can significantly aid consumers in making informed decisions for their health and safety.