August 07, (THEWILL) — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has assured Nigerians that genetically modified foods (GMOs) are safe for consumption—provided they pass through stringent safety and regulatory checks.
NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, gave the assurance on Thursday while addressing growing public concerns about the potential health risks of GMO foods.
Speaking during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, Adeyeye clarified that GMOs are not inherently dangerous and that Nigeria has agencies in place to monitor their safety.
She stated, “GMOs are genetically modified foods and they are not bad for us. They’re not harmful, depending on the type of food and whether all safety considerations have been taken into account.”
She explained that the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is primarily responsible for evaluating the safety of GMO products, while NAFDAC works in partnership with the agency to ensure the final products meet quality and health standards.
“We have an MoU with the NBMA. They are mandated to certify the safety and quality of any food with GMO content. Without their clearance, we cannot approve such products,” she added.
Adeyeye, who described herself as a “food freak,” advised Nigerians to always check food labels, especially for GMO indications.
She assured the public that only thoroughly screened and certified products are allowed into the Nigerian market.
“For NAFDAC, our primary concern is that the food we approve is safe, has the required quality, and is efficacious,” she stressed.
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