The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns over the adulteration of palm oil, fufu (akpu) and other staple foods sold through traditional channels in Nigerian open markets, warning consumers about potentially harmful substances reportedly being used in some food products.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this at a press conference on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, where she also clarified the agency’s regulatory responsibility over unbranded and traditionally packaged foods sold in open markets.
Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC does not have direct and absolute regulatory oversight over unbranded palm oil, fufu and other staple foods that are traditionally packaged and sold in open markets.
She, however, stressed that this does not remove the responsibility of other authorities to ensure that food products sold to the public are safe.
According to the NAFDAC boss, sub-national authorities have important roles to play in ensuring the safety and quality of such products, in line with Nigeria’s national food safety policy.
Concern Over Adulterated Palm Oil
NAFDAC expressed particular concern over what it described as unethical and illegal practices associated with the production, distribution and sale of palm oil and other staple foods.
The agency said the adulteration of palm oil with azo dyes and other hazardous contaminants had been observed, particularly in palm oil packaged and presented in traditional forms commonly found in Nigerian markets.
Such practices, NAFDAC warned, could expose consumers to substances that are not intended for human consumption.
The agency therefore urged consumers to be cautious about the sources of food products they purchase, particularly where the production and handling processes cannot be easily established.
NAFDAC Raises Concern Over Fufu Processing
The agency also raised concerns over reports of bleach and other chemicals being added to fufu, fermented cassava tubers and other staple foods during production.
NAFDAC described the use of substances that could be injurious to human health as unacceptable and warned against practices that compromise food safety.
Fufu and other cassava-based foods are widely consumed across Nigeria, making the safety of their processing and handling an important public-health concern.
Not All Market Palm Oil and Fufu Are Unsafe
The clarification from NAFDAC is important for consumers. The agency did not state that all traditionally sold palm oil, fufu or other staple foods in Nigerian markets are contaminated.
Rather, its warning concerns cases where food products are adulterated or processed using potentially harmful substances.
NAFDAC also pointed out that packaged and NAFDAC-registered palm oil and other regulated food products undergo applicable regulatory procedures designed to ensure their safety.
The agency further charged sub-national authorities with responsibilities under the national food safety framework, particularly in relation to food products produced, packaged and sold through informal and traditional channels to ensure effective food-safety enforcement.
