NAFDAC Declares GMO Foods Safe, Advocates Mandatory Labelling.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food are safe for consumption, provided proper safety measures are followed. The statement, made by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, during an appearance on *Sunrise Daily*, aims to address public concerns about the safety of GM foods while emphasising the importance of clear labelling.
Prof. Adeyeye explained that GMOs, which involve altering the genetic material of plants or animals to enhance traits like yield or pest resistance, are not inherently harmful. “GMOs are genetically modified foods. They are not bad for us, depending on what type of food they are and whether the safety considerations have been taken,” she said. She stressed that rigorous safety assessments are essential to ensure these foods pose no risk to consumers.
To promote transparency, NAFDAC is collaborating with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) to enforce proper labelling of GMO products in Nigeria. Prof. Adeyeye noted that labelling is a critical step to empower consumers to make informed choices. “GMOs are supposed to have labels indicating such,” she said, adding that the agency conducts regular checks in supermarkets to ensure compliance.
The announcement comes amid ongoing global debates about the safety and environmental impact of GMOs. In Nigeria, where food security remains a pressing issue, GM crops are seen by some as a potential solution to boost agricultural productivity. However, public scepticism persists, with concerns about long-term health effects and environmental consequences.
NAFDAC’s stance aligns with international regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which maintains that GMOs meeting strict safety standards are safe for human consumption. The agency’s push for labelling mirrors practices in countries like Australia, where mandatory GMO labelling has been in place since 2001, with surveys showing significant public support for such measures.
Prof. Adeyeye urged Nigerians to trust the regulatory processes in place, assuring the public that NAFDAC and NBMA are committed to safeguarding health while supporting agricultural innovation. The agency’s efforts to balance consumer rights with scientific advancements are expected to shape Nigeria’s approach to GMOs in the coming years.