The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reassured Nigerians that genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods are safe to consume, as long as they are properly labeled.
In an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that the safety of GMO foods depends on their type and the necessary safety measures being followed.
Adeyeye highlighted the importance of proper labeling, noting that consumers should be able to clearly identify GMO foods on store shelves. She also reinforced the collaboration between NAFDAC and the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), which is responsible for ensuring the safety of GMOs.
“We work together with the NBMA to guarantee that GMOs are safe, of quality, and effective,” she explained. Adeyeye, who described herself as a “food freak,” urged Nigerians to always check product labels, particularly for the NAFDAC seal, to ensure the food they purchase meets safety standards.
While addressing public concerns about GMO foods, Adeyeye also pointed out that other state-level agencies share responsibility in the certification and monitoring process. “We are mandated to approve safe and effective foods for the market, in collaboration with the NBMA,” she concluded.
This reassurance comes amid ongoing debates regarding the quality and safety of GMO foods in Nigerian markets, as other organizations, such as the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), have also moved to address public fears about the safety of genetically modified crops.
