(NAFDAC. Photo Credit: Premuim Times)
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has recommended Nigerians to read food labels before purchasing packaged food, stating that doing so can help them make safer and healthier choices.
The agency provided the advise in the first installment of its #NAFDACExplains series, which was tweeted on Tuesday to its official social media handle.
According to a report online, packaged food refers to food products that have been sealed or wrapped in containers or packets before being sold. Bread, biscuits, quick noodles, bottled beverages, and sachet or canned milk are among examples.
In the video, Abubakar Umar, a food safety expert in NAFDAC’s Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, says customers should look beyond a product’s brand, packaging, or price before purchasing.
“When you buy a packaged product, what normally grabs your notice first? Is it the brand? The picture on the package? Or maybe the price? For many of us, that’s where it ends. But there’s something much more important: the food label,” he explained.
According to Umar, food labels contain crucial information that allows people to make informed decisions for themselves and their family.
He encouraged purchasers to first check the date on the product to ensure it is still within its shelf life.
“So, the next time you pick up a packaged item, spend a few seconds reading the label. “Start by checking the date marking to ensure that the product is still within its shelf life,” he said.
Umar further asked people to study the ingredient list, especially if they or their family members have allergies or dietary limitations that require them to avoid certain products.
He also recommended consumers to read the nutrition information panel, which contains information on elements like 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 advised.
The food safety expert emphasized the need of verifying the NAFDAC registration number on packaged items.
“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 said.
In the accompanying statement, NAFDAC stated four crucial elements that customers should look for when purchasing packaged food: the date, ingredient list, nutrition information panel, and NAFDAC registration number.
The FDA stated that spending a few seconds reading food labels could help customers make more informed selections.
“A few seconds spent reading the label can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family,” the statement said.
Umar continued by reminding consumers: “So, before you buy it, read it. Understand what you’re about to eat. Until next time, keep informed and remain safe.