By JKNewsMedia
THE NATIONAL Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Association of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) have agreed to deepen efforts to ensure food safety across Nigeria.
This decision emerged during the 2024 End-of-Year Stakeholders’ Dialogue and Feedback Session held in Lagos.
At the event, frank discussions took place between regulators and industry stakeholders to address challenges and improve regulatory processes.
Representing NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN), Mrs. Eva Edwards, highlighted the importance of the dialogue.
She described it as essential for fostering collaboration and proactive food safety measures.
Prof. Adeyeye affirmed that food safety is a shared responsibility, stressing its significance in protecting public health and bolstering consumer trust.
She said unsafe food can undermine public health, economies, and trade. She emphasised the need for robust standards, innovative solutions, and a sustained food safety culture.
NAFDAC disclosed ongoing efforts like risk categorisation of local food establishments and discussions on digital food traceability, designed to strengthen the nation’s food safety system.
The Agency also works to ensure that changes in product formulations by manufacturers do not compromise nutritional value.
The Chairman of AFBTE’s Technical Committee, Mr. Fred Chiazor, commended NAFDAC’s inclusive approach, which fosters strategic collaboration rather than punitive actions.
He encouraged industry operators to engage openly without fear of victimisation.
The session concluded with a commitment from both parties to leverage opportunities, address gaps, and drive new benchmarks for food safety in Nigeria.
