The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that Nigerian bread manufacturers are permitted to use approved preservatives and production methods that help extend shelf life, provided they comply with internationally accepted food safety standards.
The agency explained that the use of food preservatives is not illegal when applied within regulated limits and in accordance with global safety guidelines, particularly the Codex Alimentarius standards.
NAFDAC issued the clarification following widespread public concern over claims on social media that a loaf of bread allegedly remained mould-free for more than two months.
The controversy reportedly began on April 13, 2026, after an internet blogger alleged that a loaf of bread supplied for retail sale stayed fresh for an unusually long period without spoiling. Although the product was initially unnamed, Food & Food Integrated Company Limited, producers of BON Bread, later denied any involvement in the allegation.
In response to the growing public debate, NAFDAC said it immediately launched an investigation through its Greater FCT Directorate, which inspected the company’s bakery facility in Abuja on April 20, 2026.
Officials reportedly collected bread samples, ingredients, and other production materials from both the factory and retail outlets for laboratory testing.
NAFDAC Director-General, , stated that the company has operated since 2006 with valid product licences and no history of regulatory sanctions or product recalls.
According to her, laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of calcium propionate, a commonly approved bread preservative, but noted that the quantity detected remained within internationally accepted safety limits.
Additional laboratory tests also reportedly showed that the bread samples contained no harmful substances, including bromate or non-nutritive sweeteners.
Following the investigation, NAFDAC concluded that the bread manufacturer did not violate any food safety regulations and affirmed that the product met all required safety standards.