Reported by Musa Antiketu, | Journalist at Obaland magazine.
Agency Urges Consumers to Read Labels Carefully as Nigeria Intensifies Food Safety Awareness Campaign
As concerns over food safety, counterfeit consumer products, and nutrition-related illnesses continue to grow across Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has renewed its call on consumers to become more vigilant when purchasing packaged food products.
The agency has advised Nigerians to adopt simple but essential food label checks before buying packaged foods, stressing that informed consumers are the first line of defence against unsafe, expired, or improperly labelled products.
NAFDAC’s latest consumer advisory outlines four critical details every shopper should examine before placing any packaged food item into a shopping basket. According to the agency, these checks can significantly reduce the risk of consuming unsafe products while helping families make healthier dietary choices.
The renewed awareness campaign comes as regulatory authorities intensify efforts to combat food fraud, counterfeit products, and violations of food safety standards in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding consumer goods market.
Why Food Labels Matter
Food labels are more than decorative packaging. They contain vital information that enables consumers to understand what they are purchasing, how the product should be stored, when it expires, and whether it has received regulatory approval.
Experts in public health have consistently warned that neglecting food labels can expose consumers to expired products, allergenic ingredients, excessive sugar or sodium, and counterfeit food items that may pose serious health risks.
NAFDAC said every consumer has a responsibility to carefully inspect food packages before making purchases, particularly in open markets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail platforms.
The agency noted that spending a few extra seconds reading product labels can prevent avoidable health complications and financial losses.
1. Check the Manufacturing and Expiry Dates
The first recommendation from NAFDAC is to carefully examine the manufacturing date and expiry date printed on every packaged food item.
Consumers are advised never to purchase products that have expired or whose expiry dates have been tampered with, erased, altered, or are difficult to read.
Similarly, products without clearly printed manufacturing dates should be avoided because they may not meet regulatory standards.
Food experts explain that consuming expired products can lead to food poisoning, bacterial contamination, reduced nutritional quality, and other health complications.
NAFDAC therefore urged Nigerians to make checking expiry dates a routine habit before completing any purchase.
2. Verify the NAFDAC Registration Number
Another major safety indicator highlighted by the agency is the NAFDAC Registration Number.
Every regulated packaged food sold legally in Nigeria is expected to display a valid NAFDAC registration number issued after the product has undergone regulatory assessment.
Consumers should confirm that this number appears clearly on the packaging.
The agency has repeatedly warned that counterfeiters sometimes imitate or manipulate registration details to deceive buyers. Consequently, shoppers are encouraged to remain alert and report suspicious products through NAFDAC’s official communication channels.
Possessing a registration number alone does not automatically guarantee authenticity if there are visible signs of tampering, poor packaging quality, or suspicious alterations.
3. Read the Ingredient List Carefully
NAFDAC also encouraged consumers to pay close attention to the ingredient list before buying packaged foods.
Understanding what a product contains helps individuals make healthier nutritional decisions while protecting people with allergies or special dietary requirements.
Ingredients are generally listed according to their proportion in the product, beginning with those present in the largest quantities.
Health professionals recommend that consumers limit foods containing excessive added sugars, sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives where possible.
Individuals living with diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, or food allergies should be particularly careful when reviewing ingredient lists.
Parents are equally encouraged to read labels carefully before purchasing snacks and beverages for children.
4. Examine Storage Instructions
The fourth recommendation focuses on storage conditions.
According to NAFDAC, food products remain safe only when stored under the conditions specified by manufacturers.
Some products require refrigeration immediately after purchase, while others must be kept in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight.
Ignoring storage instructions can compromise product quality even before the expiry date.
Consumers are also advised to inspect packaging for signs of swelling, leakage, punctures, broken seals, rust, dents, mould, or unusual odours, all of which may indicate spoilage or contamination.
Strengthening Consumer Awareness
NAFDAC said consumer education remains one of its strongest tools in promoting public health.
The agency has continued to conduct nationwide awareness campaigns through traditional media, digital platforms, community outreach programmes, and partnerships with stakeholders to educate Nigerians on identifying genuine products.
Officials have repeatedly emphasised that informed consumers help reduce the circulation of counterfeit, substandard, and adulterated food products within the country.
The agency also encourages members of the public to report suspected fake or unsafe food products to the nearest NAFDAC office for investigation.
Food Safety Remains a National Priority
Nigeria’s food industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by urbanisation, population expansion, increased supermarket penetration, and the rise of processed food consumption.
While these developments have improved product availability, they have also created opportunities for counterfeiters and unscrupulous operators to introduce unsafe products into the market.
Regulatory agencies, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers therefore share collective responsibility for maintaining high food safety standards.
Industry experts note that stronger compliance with labelling regulations improves transparency, enhances consumer confidence, and promotes healthier eating habits.
Global Best Practices Align With NAFDAC’s Advice
NAFDAC’s recommendations are consistent with international food safety guidelines promoted by global public health institutions.
Food safety authorities around the world encourage consumers to routinely verify expiry dates, inspect packaging integrity, read nutritional and ingredient information, and purchase products from reputable retailers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently highlighted food safety as an essential pillar of public health, noting that unsafe food contributes to hundreds of millions of illnesses globally each year.
Similarly, food regulators in several countries continue to educate consumers on recognising authentic food labels and avoiding compromised products.
What Consumers Should Remember
NAFDAC’s latest advisory serves as a reminder that food safety begins with informed purchasing decisions.
Before buying any packaged food, Nigerians should always:
- Check the manufacturing and expiry dates.
- Verify the NAFDAC registration number.
- Read the ingredient list carefully.
- Follow and assess the recommended storage instructions.
These simple precautions can reduce health risks, encourage healthier diets, and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s food regulatory system.
As the agency continues to intensify enforcement against counterfeit and substandard products, consumer vigilance remains a crucial partner in protecting public health.
Ultimately, reading food labels is not merely a shopping habit it is an investment in personal wellbeing, family health, and national food safety.
NAFDAC has advised Nigerians to check four essential details before buying packaged foods, including expiry dates, registration numbers, ingredient lists, and storage instructions. Obaland Magazine explains why these food safety measures are critical for protecting public health and making informed consumer choices.