NAFDAC Sensitises Public Against Usage Of Azo-Dyes In Palm Oil, `Sniper’ As Food Preservative, Others

Posted by Tolulope Ogugua Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria Tuesday, September 21st, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The National Agency for Food And Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says measures are in place to sensitise Nigerians on some major public health challenges.

According to it, some of the various infractions that impact negatively on public health and healthcare delivery system include the use of Azo-dyes in Palm Oil and “ Sniper’’ to preserve foodstuffs.

Prof. Mojisola Adeye, Director-General, NAFDAC, made the assertion at the Flag-Off of the agency’s Sensitisation Campaigns in Lagos .

African Examiner reports that the sensitisation campaign is taking place nationwide.

According to her, the campaign themes are multifaceted with clear, concise, informative and educative messages aimed at arousing the awareness and

“These campaign themes intend to address the dangers of buying medicines from hawkers and abuse of Codeine and self-medication especially among youths.

“ The dangerous effects of using kerosene tanker to load groundnut oil, dangerous practice of using potassium bromate to bake bread and use of Azo-dyes in palm oil which causes cancer.

“Also the dangers of using `Sniper’ to preserve any type of food or to keep flies away from meat, dangers of transfat and consumption of excessive oil.

“Also, the use of formalin on food and its associated health hazards as well as low level of exclusive breastfeeding practice by lactating mothers and its associated health hazards.’’

According to the NAFDAC D-G, public awareness campaign is one of the veritable regulatory mechanisms put in place by NAFDAC to promote and protect the health of our people.

“A well informed, sensitised and educated citizenry is the bedrock of effective regulation.

“This is why today’s event is another major milestone in our bid to protect Nigerians against the deleterious effects of unwholesome food, falsified medical products, harmful cosmetics, poor water and other substandard regulated products.

“The key objective of this sensitisation programme is to intensify and expand the scope of our informal and formal behaviour change communication strategies in order to reach the vulnerable communities especially at the grassroots.

“Dissemination of food and drug safety information is an important aspect of our regulatory work.’’

Adeyeye also acknowledged the fact that Nigeria was not left out of the global problem of falsified medical products and unwholesome food.

She appealed to the general public to sustain their support and partnership with NAFDAC in the sensitisation campaign for the benefit of all.