The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned bakers and table water producers in Nasarawa State against engaging in harmful practices, warning that they could face penalties.
Francis Ononiwu, the agency’s North-Central Director, delivered this caution during a stakeholders’ meeting with members of the Master Bakers and the Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria on Friday in Lafia.
Ononiwu emphasized that the meeting was part of the agency’s approach to engage with stakeholders and reinforce the key requirements for maintaining product quality.
He stressed the importance of water and food for the well-being of citizens, noting that the agency is committed to ensuring that the public only purchases and consumes safe water and bread.
The director emphasized that bread is a staple food consumed by the majority of households in Nigeria, which is why it’s important to uphold its quality.
“We are reminding you to know that you have to maintain the quality products that are presented and we see during routine inspections.
“You have to adhere to our regulations and operational guidelines from the source of your raw material to the point of packaging.
“Your products cannot be of high quality and standard when you compromise any of the processes in the stages of the production,” he said.
Ononiwu mentioned that the agency would remain focused on prioritizing public health protection, staying true to their core mission.
He mentioned that all producers of regulated goods are required to renew their registrations within the designated timeframe or risk penalties.
“We will continue to go out for routine inspections, and anyone who fails to renew his registration or violates the operational guidelines will be sanctioned.
“We have the power to shut down a factory or to seal it and to even prosecute violators,” he added.
Likewise, Matthew Olawale, the NAFDAC Coordinator for Nasarawa State, stated that the forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with the regulator and share their concerns in order to strengthen their partnership for the good of the community.
He encouraged bakers and table water manufacturers to make sure their registration documents remained up to date.
Olawale also cautioned them against intentionally disregarding the agency’s rules while conducting their business.
The former ATWAP Chairman in the state, Alfred Alogala, praised NAFDAC for the initiative and expressed hope that it would enable them to uphold quality standards.
He further encouraged their members to keep following best practices in the production of water and food products to prevent the spread of infections and diseases among consumers.
NAN
