The recent public outcry over reports of palm oil being adulterated with dyes has left many Nigerians asking a simple question: who is responsible for the safety of food sold in our markets? Palm oil is a staple in Nigerian kitchens, so concerns about substances being added to it naturally raise serious consumer-safety questions. The controversy also drew attention to a recent clarification from NAFDAC: according to Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency does not have direct and absolute regulatory oversight over unbranded palm oil, fufu and other traditionally packaged staple foods sold in open markets - though NAFDAC does regulate processed and packaged food products through registration, inspection, laboratory testing, surveillance and enforcement.
The challenge comes with foods sold informally, without labels or manufacturers' details that make them traceable. And that raises a bigger issue: who protects consumers in the open market? NAFDAC says tackling unsafe and fake products requires collective responsibility involving federal regulators, state and local authorities, producers, traders and consumers. The palm-oil controversy should go beyond social-media panic and prompt proper testing, transparent communication and stronger market monitoring. Food safety cannot end where formal packaging ends.
