By Gami Tadanyigbe
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has listed four key things consumers should check before buying packaged food, urging Nigerians to pay close attention to food labels to make safer and healthier choices.
The Agency gave the advice in a statement saying the Packaged foods include products that are sealed or wrapped before sale, such as bread, biscuits, instant noodles, bottled drinks, and sachet or canned milk.
Speaking in the video, a food safety expert with NAFDAC’s Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, Abubakar Umar, urged consumers to look beyond a product’s brand, packaging or price before making a purchase.
“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.
According to Umar, food labels contain essential information that helps consumers make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
He advised buyers to first check the date marking to ensure the product is still within its shelf life.
“So, 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.
Umar also encouraged consumers to read the ingredient list, particularly if they or members of their families have allergies or dietary restrictions that require them to avoid certain ingredients.
He further advised consumers to examine the nutrition information panel, which provides details about nutrients such as sugar, salt, fat 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.
The food safety expert also stressed the importance of confirming that packaged food products carry a valid NAFDAC registration number.
“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.
In an accompanying statement, NAFDAC identified the four key things consumers should always check before buying packaged foods as the date marking, ingredient list, nutrition information panel, and the NAFDAC registration number.
The Agency noted that spending just a few seconds reading food labels can help consumers make informed decisions about the products they buy.
“A few seconds spent reading the label can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family,” the statement read.
Umar concluded with a reminder to consumers: “So, before you buy it, read it. And before you eat it, understand it. Until next time, stay informed; stay safe.”