The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down a bakery in Sokoto for using unfortified sugar and banned bromate.
NAFDAC’s State Coordinator, Mr. Garba Adamu, informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the violations were uncovered during a special raid by agency officials.
“We found that the bakery was using saccharine, an unregistered foreign sugar, as a sweetener along with banned bromate in their products,” Adamu said.
“The items were seized for destruction, and the bakery is closed until it complies with regulations and directives.”
Adamu emphasised that only fortified, registered sugar containing vitamin A and other micronutrients is permitted for sale and consumption in Nigeria.
“This is a Federal Government policy enforced by NAFDAC and other agencies to ensure consumers receive the maximum nutritional and health benefits from products,” he added.
Additionally, six other bakeries were sanctioned for poor hygiene as enforcement officers, led by Mr. Buhari Manzo, intensified routine inspections across the state.
“Bakeries are monitored to ensure they do not use saccharine or other banned substances instead of fortified, regulated ingredients,” Adamu said.
He warned producers against using adulterated, counterfeit, unregistered, and expired items, reiterating that NAFDAC will continue its enforcement efforts.
The operation will also be extended to local government areas to ensure hygienic food and proper products are in circulation.
Adamu urged the public to avoid unregistered products and report any suspicious practices and contaminations to NAFDAC, emphasising the agency’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health.
