The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken decisive action against a bakery in Sokoto State, closing it down for violations related to food safety standards. This enforcement action was announced by NAFDAC State Coordinator Mr. Garba Adamu on Friday, July 13, 2024.

During a recent raid, NAFDAC officials discovered that the bakery was using saccharine, an unregistered foreign sugar, as a sweetener, in addition to employing potassium bromate, which is banned in Nigeria.

Following this discovery, the agency seized the non-compliant items for destruction and has ordered the bakery to cease operations until it adheres to regulatory standards.

Mr. Adamu emphasized the importance of using only fortified sugar that contains Vitamin A and other essential micronutrients, as mandated by federal policy. This regulation aims to ensure that consumers receive the maximum nutritional benefits from food products.

In addition to this closure, six other bakeries in the region were sanctioned for failing to meet hygiene standards. NAFDAC's enforcement officers, led by Mr. Buhari Manzo, have intensified routine inspections of bakeries across Sokoto State to prevent the use of unapproved ingredients.

Adamu urged food producers to avoid using adulterated or counterfeit products and reiterated NAFDAC's commitment to regular enforcement actions. He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious practices or contamination to the agency.

As part of its ongoing efforts, NAFDAC plans to extend its operations to Local Government Areas to ensure that safe and hygienic food products are available to consumers.