KADUNA (Sundiata Post) – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it is committed to ensuring that Nigerians only consume wholesome products.
The North-West Zonal Director of the agency, Mrs Josephine Daliyim, disclosed this on Monday in Kaduna at a one-day sensitisation workshop for dealers on the registration of packaged edible oil under the ‘Micro-Scale in Nigeria’.
Reports that the workshop was jointly organised by NAFDAC, Mike-Ima Global Resources and the State chapter of the Edible Oil Dealers Association.
She said, ”The agency would ensure that Nigerians consume only products that have been registered and certified by it as the leading regulator of all such products in Africa.
”We cannot compromise public health and we will do the right thing to safeguard the health and lives of Nigerians.”
According to Daliyim, NAFDAC’s core mandate includes the safeguarding public health, adding,” the exercise was organized due to the myriad of public outcries about the unwholesome production of edible oil across the country.
She said,”There is no better time than now to have this awareness workshop as the need for it cannot be overemphasized.
”That during the agency’s regular surveillance activities, complaints have been received from the public for the proper regulation of the product.
”That it is a violation to sell any regulated product not registered by the agency .
”It has also been observed that some of these edible oils are being dispensed in an unregistered, unhygienic environment open to contamination.
”That consumption of products from unapproved sources and facilities could be injurious to health.”
The director said that the agency would ensure that the public buy food and other regulated products with its approved labels on them.
Daliyim said, ”That safe, quality and wholesome foods are being sold to the public, which can be achieved through regular monitoring by the agency.
” Impose appropriate sanctions for violations by placing violating outlets on hold and encouraging the owners to register such facilities based on NAFDAC approved guidelines.”
”In order with FG’s policy on the Ease of Doing Business, the agency is opened to collaborators in order to boost MSMEs in the state.”
A cross section of the participants who spoke commended NAFDAC for organising the event, promising to urgently comply and cooperate with it to further protect the lives of Nigerians. (NAN)
