The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to bakers and table water producers in Nasarawa State regarding the importance of adhering to health and safety standards.

This announcement was made by Francis Ononiwu, the North-Central Director of NAFDAC, during a stakeholders' engagement held on Friday in Lafia.

Ononiwu emphasized that the meeting aimed to reinforce the agency's commitment to ensuring product quality and safety among food producers.

He highlighted the critical role that food and water play in public health, asserting that consumers should only purchase products that meet established health standards. Given that bread is a staple food for many households in Nigeria, maintaining its quality is particularly crucial.

During his address, Ononiwu reminded attendees of their responsibility to uphold quality throughout all stages of production, from sourcing raw materials to packaging. He pointed out that any compromise in these processes could lead to substandard products.

The agency's ongoing inspections will continue to focus on compliance with regulations, with potential sanctions for those who fail to meet the required standards.

In addition, Matthew Olawale, NAFDAC's State Coordinator for Nasarawa, noted that the forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to voice their challenges and improve collaboration with regulatory authorities.

He urged producers to ensure their registration documents are current and to avoid any deliberate violations of NAFDAC guidelines.

The meeting concluded with Alfred Alogala, a former chairman of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) in Nasarawa, commending NAFDAC for facilitating such discussions.

He expressed hope that these initiatives would encourage adherence to safety standards in the production of food and water, ultimately protecting public health.