NAFDAC lists four things to check before buying packaged food

Nigerians should prioritize reading food labels before buying packaged items, according to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The agency launched a new educational series, #NAFDACExplains, to guide consumers on making healthier choices.

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When you buy a packaged food, what usually catches your attention first? Is it the brand? The picture on the packaging? Or perhaps the price? For many of us, that’s where we stop. But there’s something even more important, and that is the food label.

Abubakar Umar, a food safety expert at NAFDAC, urged shoppers to look beyond brand names, packaging, and prices. He emphasized that food labels provide crucial information for informed decisions. Umar specifically advised checking the "date marking" to ensure the product is within its shelf life and reviewing the "ingredient list" for potential allergens or dietary restrictions.

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So, the next time you pick up a packaged food, take a few seconds to read the label. Start by checking the date marking to ensure that the product is within its shelf life.

Furthermore, Umar highlighted the importance of examining the "nutrition information panel" to understand nutrient content like sugar, salt, fat, and protein. He also stressed the need to confirm the "NAFDAC registration number," which signifies that the product has undergone the agency's approval process. NAFDAC reiterated that a few moments spent reading labels can lead to significantly better choices for individuals and their families.

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Take a moment to read the nutrition information or nutrition facts panel, which tells you about nutrients such as sugar, salt, fats, and protein, helping you make choices that support a healthier diet.