The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised Nigerians to cultivate the habit of reading food labels before purchasing packaged food, saying the simple practice can help consumers make safer and healthier dietary choices.
The agency gave the advice in the maiden episode of its #NAFDACExplains series, published on its official X handle on Tuesday.
Packaged foods include products that are sealed or wrapped before sale, such as bread, biscuits, instant noodles, bottled beverages, and sachet or canned milk.
Speaking in the video, a food safety expert with NAFDAC’s Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, Abubakar Umar, said consumers should look beyond a product’s brand, attractive 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,” Umar said.
He explained that food labels provide vital information that enables consumers to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
According to him, the first thing buyers should check is the date marking to confirm that 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 advised.
Umar also encouraged consumers to carefully examine the ingredient list, particularly those with allergies or specific dietary restrictions, to avoid ingredients that may be harmful to their health.
He further urged buyers to study the nutrition information panel, which contains details on the nutritional content of the product, including sugar, salt, fat and protein levels.
“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 verifying the NAFDAC registration number on packaged food products, noting that it confirms the product has undergone the agency’s registration process before being released into the market.
“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 a statement accompanying the video, NAFDAC highlighted four key details consumers should always check before buying packaged food: the date marking, ingredient list, nutrition information panel and the NAFDAC registration number.
The agency said spending just a few seconds reading food labels could help consumers make informed choices and protect their health.
“A few seconds spent reading the label can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family,” the statement read.
Umar concluded by encouraging Nigerians to prioritise food safety whenever they shop.
“So, before you buy it, read it. And before you eat it, understand it. Until next time, stay informed; stay safe,” he said.