Yemi Obafemi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised Nigerians to always inspect food labels for information on Genetically Modified Ingredients GMO, to ensure they are making informed and healthy dietary choices.
The call was made by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily” programme on Thursday.
Her remarks come amid rising concerns and public debate over the safety and labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria’s food markets.
Addressing misconceptions about GMOs, Prof. Adeyeye explained that such foods are not inherently harmful, provided they meet established safety standards.
“GMOs are not bad for us,” she said. “Their safety depends on the type of food and whether appropriate safety assessments have been conducted.”
She emphasized that consumers have the right to know what they are eating and encouraged them to always check for proper labeling.
“I’m a food enthusiast, I care deeply about what I eat and how it affects my health,” she noted. “I always check the label. It should clearly indicate if the food is genetically modified. This is essential to ensure that what we consume supports our well-being.”
Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the collaborative efforts between NAFDAC and the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), which is the statutory body responsible for regulating the safety of GMO foods in Nigeria.
“We have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NBMA. Before we approve any GMO-related food product, we rely on their scientific evaluation to confirm its safety, quality, and efficacy,” she stated.
She added that labeling transparency allows consumers to make choices that align with their preferences, whether for organic or non-organic products.
“When you go to grocery stores, you’ll find foods labeled ‘organic.’ Likewise, foods that are genetically modified must also be labeled accordingly. People should be given the choice,” she said.
According to her, no GMO food product is approved for public consumption without prior certification from the NBMA.
“Without NBMA certifying that they have done their due diligence, whether through lab testing or desk review, NAFDAC cannot give its approval,” Prof. Adeyeye affirmed.
