What to check before buying packaged food — NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised Nigerians to pay closer attention to food labels before buying packaged food, urging consumers to check key product details that can help them make safer and healthier choices.

The agency gave the advice in the first episode of its #NAFDACExplains series shared on its official X handle on Tuesday.

A food safety expert with NAFDAC’s Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, Abubakar Umar, said many consumers often make purchasing decisions based on a product’s brand, packaging or price without reading the information provided on its label.

According to him, food labels contain vital details that help buyers make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

“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.

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Umar identified four important things consumers should check before purchasing any packaged food: the date marking, ingredient list, nutrition information panel and the NAFDAC registration number.

He urged buyers to first verify the expiry or date marking to ensure the product is still within its shelf life.

“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.

He also advised consumers to examine the ingredient list, particularly those with allergies or dietary restrictions, to avoid ingredients that may pose health risks.

On nutrition, Umar encouraged Nigerians to review the nutrition facts panel, which provides information on nutrients such as sugar, salt, fats 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.

Umar further stressed the importance of checking for a valid NAFDAC registration number, noting that it shows the product has undergone the agency’s registration process before being approved for sale.

“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.

Reinforcing the message, NAFDAC said spending a few seconds reading food labels could help consumers make informed decisions.

The agency advised Nigerians to always check the date marking, ingredient list, nutrition information panel and NAFDAC registration number before buying any packaged food.

He concluded saying, “A few seconds spent reading the label can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family.

“So, before you buy it, read it. And before you eat it, understand it. Until next time, stay informed; stay safe