The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control has issued a stern warning against the use of Azodie chemical dye in palm oil.
According to NAFDAC, some marketers are adding this harmful substance to enhance the color of palm oil, posing a significant threat to public health.
NAFDAC’s Zonal Director of the North Central Zone, Kenneth Azikwe, described the practice as a grave public health threat. “Marketers add Azodie to palm oil at night to make it appear redder, which poses health risks to consumers,” Azikwe said. He stressed that the agency would not tolerate such acts and pledged decisive action against those caught engaging in the practice.
The agency has developed digital platforms to regulate the industry and improve stakeholder engagement. These platforms include NAPALMS, RETURATION PORTER, and the National Single Trade Window. NAFDAC is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of food products across the country.
NAFDAC urges consumers to remain vigilant about the quality of products they consume. The agency encourages consumers to buy palm oil from trusted and verified sources to reduce the risk of consuming contaminated food products. “Such sharp practices will not be tolerated,” Azikwe warned. “Anyone caught adding Azodie to palm oil will face the full weight of the law.”
The agency’s warning comes after discovering that some marketers were using Azodie to enhance the color of palm oil. NAFDAC is determined to protect public health and will take action against anyone found involved in this harmful activity.
NAFDAC’s efforts to regulate the industry and protect consumers are ongoing. The agency has appealed to the Niger State Government to provide land for a permanent NAFDAC office complex to strengthen its presence in the region.