The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of reading food labels before purchasing packaged foods, warning that unhealthy diets are driving a rise in non-communicable diseases across the country.
Adeyeye gave the advice on Friday in Abuja at the launch of the Read the Food Label Campaign, organised by NAFDAC in collaboration with the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, the World Health Organization, the University of Abuja and other development partners.
She said the campaign was aimed at empowering consumers with the knowledge needed to understand food labels and make healthier food choices amid the growing burden of diet-related illnesses.
“Today marks another significant milestone in our collective efforts to protect and promote the health of Nigerians by empowering consumers with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed food choices,” she said.
According to the NAFDAC boss, food labels are not merely regulatory requirements but important public health tools that provide consumers with critical information about the nutritional content and safety of food products.
“Reading food labels should become a shared responsibility. Everyone who purchases food should make it a habit to read food labels before making a purchase,” Adeyeye said.
She recounted how a childhood reaction by her son to a food additive inspired her to develop the habit of checking food labels whenever she shops.
