Health
NAFDAC lists four things to check before buying packaged food
By Saheed Oyelakin
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has advised Nigerians to read food labels before buying packaged food, saying doing so can help consumers make safer and healthier choices.
The agency gave the advice in the first episode of its #NAFDACExplains series posted on its official X handle on Tuesday.
PUNCH Online reports that packaged food refers to food products that are sealed or wrapped in containers or packages before being sold. Examples include bread, biscuits, instant noodles, bottled drinks, and sachet or canned milk.
Speaking in the video, a food safety expert in NAFDAC’s Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, Abubakar Umar, said consumers should go beyond checking a product’s brand, packaging or price before making a purchase.
“When you buy a packaged food, what usually catches your attention first? Is it the brand? The picture on the packaging? Or perhaps the price? For many of us, that’s where we stop. But there’s something even more important, and that is the food label,” he said.
According to Umar, the food label provides important information that helps consumers make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
He advised buyers to first check the date marking to ensure the product is still within its shelf life.
“So, the next time you pick up a packaged food, take a few seconds to read the label. Start by checking the date marking to ensure that the product is within its shelf life,” he said.
Umar also urged consumers to read the ingredient list, especially if they or members of their families need to avoid certain ingredients because of allergies or dietary restrictions.
He further advised consumers to review the nutrition information panel, which provides details on nutrients such as sugar, salt, fat and protein.
“Take a moment to read the nutrition information or nutrition facts panel, which tells you about nutrients such as sugar, salt, fats, and protein, helping you make choices that support a healthier diet,” he said.
The food safety expert also stressed the importance of confirming the NAFDAC registration number on packaged foods.
“In addition, you should always look for the NAFDAC registration number, which indicates that these products have gone through NAFDAC’s registration process before being placed on the market shelves,” Umar added.
NAFDAC, in the accompanying statement, listed four key things consumers should check before buying packaged food: the date marking, ingredient list, nutrition information panel and the NAFDAC registration number.
The agency noted that spending a few seconds reading food labels could help consumers make informed decisions.
“A few seconds spent reading the label can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family,” the statement read.
Umar concluded with a reminder to consumers: “So, before you buy it, read it. And before you eat it, understand it. Until next time, stay informed; stay safe.”
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