NAFDAC unveils national plan to eliminate trans fats

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unveiled a comprehensive National Strategy and Roadmap for Trans-Fatty Acid Regulation aimed at improving food safety and protecting public health in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Sunday, the agency described the initiative as a landmark step in the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce diet-related health risks, particularly those linked to heart disease, stroke, and premature death.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the new roadmap reinforces the agency’s commitment to stricter food regulation and enhanced enforcement.

She noted that Nigeria has already set a national limit of no more than two grams of industrially produced trans fats per 100 grams of food, aligning with international best practices.

Adeyeye recalled that in 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognised Nigeria as one of only seven countries implementing best-practice policies for trans-fat elimination — a significant global achievement.

She explained that the strategy will be implemented in phases, focusing on food industry reformulation, laboratory capacity building, compliance monitoring, public awareness, and multi-sector collaboration to ensure effective and sustainable results.

With technical support from the WHO and Resolve to Save Lives, NAFDAC has expanded its laboratory capabilities to analyse trans fats in food products, accelerating the country’s readiness for full implementation.

Adeyeye called on government agencies, industry players, civil society organisations, and consumers to work together to achieve WHO validation, stressing that eliminating industrially produced trans fats is both achievable and essential for national health.

“This roadmap demonstrates Nigeria’s strong commitment to protecting public health, promoting healthier food systems, and ensuring a future where citizens are free from the harmful effects of trans-fatty acids,” Adeyeye said.