PBAN condemns allegation of standards compromise in bread production

• Re-affirms commitment to quality, safety standards
• NAFDAC faults online video on use saccharine for bread

The Premium Bread Makers Association of Nigeria (PBAN) has condemned a viral social media misinformation claiming that the bread produced in Nigeria contains harmful ingredients.

It, however, reaffirmed its members’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of bread production across the country.

The association, in a statement signed by its President, Emmanuel Onuorah and Public & Industrial Relations Officer, Babalola Thomas, yesterday, expressed concerns over a video trending on TikTok where the unverified claims were made.

The PBAN, while condemning the video, labelling it as “ungodly” and harmful to the reputation of hardworking bread makers in Nigeria, said that all ingredients used by its members to produce bread are safe, wholesome and meet the strict guidelines set by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other regulatory bodies.

The PBAN President reassured the public that all member-bakeries strictly adhere to rigorous food safety and quality protocols.

The association also noted its longstanding collaboration with regulatory agencies to maintain and improve bread production standards.

It said that its commitment to producing safe and nutritious bread is unwavering, emphasising that internal controls are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant laws governing food processing in Nigeria.

The PBAN President urged the public to disregard the misleading video and trust in the quality of bread produced by PBAN members.

MEANWHILE, the NAFDAC has condemned a video circulating on social media that the agency had raised a concern that most of the bread in the Nigerian market failed laboratory tests because producers are using saccharine to bake bread more than they are using sugar due to the high cost of sugar.

The agency, in a statement by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated: “As a responsive regulatory agency, NAFDAC wishes to say that the content of the video on avoiding bread in Nigeria does not reflect the observation of NAFDAC during a stakeholders’ engagement held on August 16, 2024, in Ibadan, Oyo State.”

“At no time during that engagement with stakeholders did NAFDAC suggest that Nigerians should avoid bread baked and sold in Nigeria. The agency is a responsible regulator and does not make general statements capable of causing panic and fear in the population. Any baker found to be using unapproved food additives, in this case, saccharine, is appropriately sanctioned in line with the extant regulatory provisions.

“The Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) does not permit the use of saccharine in bread. This is the same for the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA), an authoritative reference point for food additives, which also does not permit the use of saccharine in bread. Like other food additives, sweeteners usually undergo thorough risk assessments for safety by an expert body, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), before approval for use.

“NAFDAC, therefore, dissociates herself from the comment of the reporter in the circulating video about avoiding bread in Nigeria. This is the personal statement of the reporter who does not speak for the agency. NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that it remains fully alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public.”