NAFDAC ISSUES IMPORTANT WARNING! Nigerians Told to Read Food Labels Before Buying Packaged Foods

(NAFDAC. photo Credit: Guardian Nigeria)

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a nationwide campaign urging Nigerians to pay closer attention to food labels before purchasing packaged products, warning that simple shopping habits could have a major impact on long-term health.

Health experts say many consumers unknowingly eat excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats because they rarely check the nutritional information printed on food packaging.

With cases of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and other diet-related illnesses continuing to rise, NAFDAC believes better awareness of food labels can help Nigerians make healthier choices and reduce the risk of preventable diseases.

The agency says understanding what goes into everyday food products is no longer optional but an essential step toward protecting public health and improving nutrition across the country.

Speaking during the launch of the Read the Food Label Campaign in Abuja, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, encouraged consumers to make reading food labels a routine habit before buying packaged foods.

According to her, food labels contain vital information about a product’s nutritional value, ingredients, and safety, enabling consumers to make informed dietary decisions.

She noted that excessive consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, saturated fats, and trans fats has contributed significantly to the growing prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other non-communicable illnesses in Nigeria.

Prof. Adeyeye explained that the campaign, launched in collaboration with development partners, aims to improve nutrition literacy and empower Nigerians to make healthier food choices. She stressed that greater public awareness and proper use of nutritional information will play a key role in reducing the country’s burden of diet-related diseases.