We don’t have control over fufu, palm oil-NAFDAC
NAFDAC Clarifies: Agency Has No Absolute Control Over Unbranded Palm Oil, Fufu Sold in Open Markets
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that it does not have direct and absolute regulatory oversight over unbranded palm oil, fufu and other traditionally packaged staple foods sold in open markets.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the clarification while briefing journalists on the agency’s efforts to combat suspected counterfeit, adulterated and unsafe products across Nigeria.
Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC received 225 complaints about suspected counterfeit products in August, adding that the agency receives more than 200 such complaints from Nigerians every month through its reporting channels.
She urged members of the public to report suspected counterfeiters through NAFDAC’s official reporting channels rather than relying solely on allegations circulating on social media.
“Counterfeiters are not ghosts; they exist within our communities, neighbourhoods, and business premises,” she said.
The NAFDAC boss acknowledged growing concerns over claims that some commonly consumed products may be adulterated or unsafe, including yoghurt, palm oil, apples, soy sauce, olive oil, chicken, fish, water and beverages.
However, she cautioned that social media claims alone cannot establish that a product is counterfeit, adulterated or unsafe.
According to Adeyeye, such claims must be subjected to scientific evaluation, laboratory testing and regulatory investigation before any definitive conclusion can be reached.
She explained that NAFDAC’s food regulatory mandate primarily focuses on processed and packaged food products, for which the agency carries out inspection, sampling, laboratory analysis, compliance monitoring and post-market surveillance.
The agency also investigates complaints, verifies products, conducts recalls where necessary and takes enforcement action against violators.
The clarification comes amid heightened public concern over the safety of food products sold in Nigerian markets, particularly following social media reports alleging that some everyday food items are being deliberately adulterated.
NAFDAC’s position, however, is that consumers should distinguish between unverified social media allegations and scientifically established evidence, while reporting suspicious products or activities to the appropriate regulatory authorities.
The agency therefore encouraged Nigerians to remain vigilant but avoid spreading unverified claims that could cause unnecessary panic or damage legitimate businesses.
