NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Use of Azodie in Palm Oil

By: Chioma Madonna

NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Use of Azodie in Palm Oil

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned palm oil dealers against the dangerous practice of adding Azodie to their products to alter appearance.

The agency said investigations revealed that some marketers secretly mix the chemical with palm oil during the night to give it a brighter red colour, thereby misleading buyers.

Officials noted that this poses significant health risks to consumers and undermines food safety standards.

Speaking in Minna, Niger State, the Zonal Director of NAFDAC’s North Central Zone, Kenneth Azikwe, condemned the practice and stressed that it would no longer be tolerated. He assured that the agency will take strict enforcement measures against anyone involved.

Azikwe further highlighted steps taken by NAFDAC to strengthen monitoring of food quality, including the deployment of technology-driven platforms such as NAPALMS, RETURATION PORTER, and the National Single Trade Window.

These platforms, he said, make it easier for stakeholders to interact with the agency and for consumers to report unsafe practices.

In addition, Azikwe appealed to the Niger State Government to provide land for the establishment of a permanent NAFDAC office in the state to boost regulatory activities.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that food consumed in Nigeria is safe and warned the public to remain vigilant about adulterated products.