By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
FOOD SAFETY and consumer awareness received a boost as the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the importance of Codex food labelling standards.
At a meeting of the National Codex Committee’s Technical Committee on Food Labelling (NCCTCFL), she stated that these standards eliminate misleading product descriptions and encourage responsible consumption.
Prof. Adeyeye, represented by Mrs. Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, pointed out that consumers gain crucial insights into ingredients, nutritional content, and allergens.
This information enables them to make informed dietary choices.
She further noted that adherence to these standards facilitates access to international markets for businesses, enhancing competitiveness and reducing legal risks.
The gathering aimed to prepare Nigeria’s delegates for the upcoming 48th session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling in Quebec City, Canada, from October 27 to November 1, 2024.
Prof. Adeyeye commended the National Codex Committee’s members for their dedication and urged them to contribute their experiences to foster dialogue and consensus.
Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), also addressed the assembly.
He stressed the importance of articulating Nigeria’s position at the forthcoming Codex session.
His representative, Mrs. Nene Obianwu, highlighted the committee’s role in managing food labelling standards and tackling misleading descriptions and claims.
Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Ayeni, CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), also stressed the call for alignment with international standards, emphasizing its significance for Nigerian non-oil exports.
Represented by Mr. Ganiyu Ahmed Gbolagade, she reiterated the NEPC’s commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s export base and enhancing trade facilitation.
An issued press statement noted that the Codex Alimentarius, established in 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), serves as a global reference for food safety standards.
These standards, the statement says, are crucial for ensuring consumer health and fair practices in food trade, gaining recognition under the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.
Compliance with Codex standards assure consumers of the safety and quality of food products.
