NAFDAC Advises Nigerians to Check Four Details Before Buying Packaged Foods

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised Nigerians to carefully read food labels before purchasing packaged food products, urging consumers to pay attention to four critical details that can help them make safer and healthier choices.

The agency gave the advice in the maiden edition of its #NAFDACExplains series, where a food safety expert in its Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, Abubakar Umar, said many shoppers focus on a product's brand, appearance or price while overlooking important information contained on the label.

According to NAFDAC, consumers should first confirm the product's date marking to ensure it is still within its shelf life. Buyers should also examine the ingredient list, particularly if they or members of their families have allergies or dietary restrictions, and review the nutrition information panel for details on sugar, salt, fat and protein content.

The agency further urged Nigerians to verify the NAFDAC registration number on every packaged food item, noting that it confirms the product has passed through the agency's registration process before being released into the market. It stressed that these simple checks can significantly reduce the risk of buying unsafe or unsuitable food products.

NAFDAC encouraged consumers to make reading food labels a regular habit, insisting that spending a few extra seconds before making a purchase can help families make informed decisions and improve food safety. It concluded by reminding Nigerians to "read it before you buy it, and understand it before you eat it."