NAFDAC rises against foods linked to heart disease, stroke, and premature death

…approves approach focused on industry reformulation

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced some steps that would eliminate a dangerous dietary risk linked to heart disease, stroke, and premature death.

Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement, on Sunday, noted that a strategic roadmap for trans-fatty acids regulation in Nigeria has been launched to assist the agency and concerns industry stakeholders to achieve the desired goal

She said the newly launched roadmap outlines a phased approach focused on industry reformulation, laboratory strengthening, compliance monitoring, public education, and cross-sector collaboration.

She said that with support from partners such as Resolve to Save Lives, WHO, and other stakeholders, NAFDAC has also expanded its laboratory capacity to analyse Trans-Fatty Acids (TFAs), marking significant progress toward full implementation.

“Nigeria has already taken bold steps, including setting regulatory limits of no more than two grams of industrially produced trans fat per 100 grams of total fat or oil. In recognition of this effort, Nigeria was named by WHO in 2023 as one of seven countries that had adopted best-practice TFA elimination policies,” she said.

Prof. Adeyeye called on government agencies, industry, civil society, and consumers to work together to achieve WHO validation of Nigeria’s programme, insisting that eliminating industrially produced trans fats is possible, achievable, and urgent.

“With this roadmap, Nigeria is determined to protect the health of its citizens and secure a food supply free from the dangers of trans-fatty acids,” she affirmed.