NAFDAC Speaks On Yam, Fufu, Ogi, Moi Moi Regulation

NAFDAC Speaks On Yam, Fufu, Ogi, Moi Moi Regulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified its regulatory position on traditionally packaged foods, including yam, fufu, moi moi and ogi.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday.

Adeyeye explained that traditionally packaged versions of the foods do not fall under NAFDAC’s regulatory control.

She also warned Nigerians about the health dangers linked to excessive alcohol consumption, saying alcohol abuse could worsen public-health and social problems.

Speaking on Nigeria’s medicine regulatory system, the NAFDAC boss said the country had struggled for decades with inadequate adherence to international standards.

She said the situation contributed to the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines within the country.

According to Adeyeye, Nigeria previously had a controlled system for patent medicine dealers, with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria responsible for regulating their activities.

She said the responsibility was later taken away from the council for several years before being returned, by which time the country had developed widespread problems with poorly trained medicine sellers.

Adeyeye linked the situation to the continued existence of open drug markets and other challenges surrounding medicine distribution.

She acknowledged that problems that had developed over decades could not be resolved overnight, but said the government was taking steps to improve regulation.

The NAFDAC chief said the agency remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s regulatory system and protecting the public from unsafe and substandard products.