In the contemporary era, the adage ‘you are what you eat’ holds unprecedented relevance, with an increasing awareness of the crucial role of consuming high-quality, nutritious food in maintaining optimal health and well-being. However, amidst this growing consciousness, economic hardships have compelled many individuals to prioritize quantity over quality in their food choices.
A survey of the market reveals a disconcerting proliferation of inferior products throughout the food supply chain, all falsely claiming superiority under various brand names. This issue extends beyond food to pharmaceuticals, constituting a longstanding problem.
Regulatory agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) are at the forefront of efforts to combat this issue. These agencies play a pivotal role in overseeing the quality, distribution, sale, and use of products in the market. They also conduct advocacy campaigns and market raids to crackdown on producers of substandard or counterfeit goods.
The recent tragedy in Kano, where three individuals perished after consuming an adulterated flavoured drink, serves as a stark reminder of the perils posed by these substandard products. NAFDAC’s subsequent tests revealed the presence of hazardous chemicals as additives in the adulterated drinks. Additionally, it was revealed that only two out of the five flavoured drinks implicated in the incident were registered in NAFDAC’s database.
Given these circumstances, it is imperative for consumers to ascertain the authenticity and approval of the products they purchase. Despite the allure of cheaper, larger quantities of products, prioritizing one’s health over convenience is paramount. Paying attention to details such as production and expiration dates, brand names, and NAFDAC approval is essential.
In recent times, certain regions of Nigeria, particularly Kaduna and other northern areas, have been inundated with unbranded and substandard monosodium glutamate. Health experts have sounded the alarm regarding the potential health implications of these products. Monosodium glutamate is a popular flavour enhancer used in Northern cuisine, known for its spicy and seasoned delicacies.
Unfortunately, unbranded monosodium glutamate, sold in unhealthy quantities and without proper packaging, poses a significant health risk. In contrast to reputable, NAFDAC-approved brands that adhere to responsible packaging, unbranded products lack traceability and are often sold at suspiciously low prices, indicative of their substandard and potentially harmful nature.
While regulatory bodies like NAFDAC and SON play a crucial role in combating the proliferation of substandard products, the onus also falls on individual consumers, food vendors, and households to prioritize their health and that of others. By conscientiously choosing the products they use and consume, individuals can contribute to averting potential health hazards caused by substandard and unregulated items.
It is imperative for everyone to consider the adage ‘you are what you eat’ and make informed, responsible choices when it comes to food and product consumption. By doing so, we can collectively take a stand against unbranded monosodium glutamate, counterfeit and inferior drugs, as well as adulterated food and beverages, thereby safeguarding the health of the population.
Authored by Olamide Bakare, Public Affairs Commentator from Lagos.
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