The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has condemned an online media report titled “Investigation: Milk or Mimic: Nigeria’s Dairy Market, a Hub for Inferior EU Products” dated August 27, 2024.
NAFDAC through its official X handle, formerly Twitter, on Sunday said milk which is modified in composition by the addition or withdrawal of milk constituents may be identified with a name using the term “milk”, provided that a clear description of the modification to which the milk has been subjected is given near the name by the limits or composition specified in the Schedule to these Regulations.
The regulatory body said it must clarify its position to the public, adding that the Milk and Dairy Products Regulations, 2021, specify a variety of milk and dairy products, including whole milk powder, skimmed milk powder, and filled milk, which is a combination of skimmed milk and non-fat milk (vegetable fat).
NAFDAC further stated that the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a recognised international Food standards-setting body, has published the ‘Standard For a Blend of Skimmed Milk and Vegetable Fat in Powdered Form’ for direct consumption or further processing. The product ‘filled milk’, it said, is described in the Milk and Dairy Products Regulations, 2021, and thus recognised.
The regulatory body assured its continuous commitment to carry out its mandate in the best interests of the public, stating that it will not register products for use in Nigeria without first conducting due regulatory diligence to protect the public’s health.