The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has said that genetically modified foods (GMOs) are not harmful to Nigerians as long as they meet safety standards.
Prof. Adeyeye made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, amid rising public concerns over the safety and regulation of GMO products in Nigeria.
“GMOs are genetically modified foods when it comes to food, and they are not bad for us.
“They’re not bad for us, depending on what type of foods they are and whether the safety considerations have been taken.,” she said.
She explained that the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is primarily responsible for certifying GMO foods and products, while NAFDAC works alongside them to ensure quality and safety.
“We work in collaboration with the biosafety management agency. We have an MOU with them. They are mandated to ensure that the foods that have GMO are of quality, they are safe, and they are efficacious.
“Without them certifying that they have done their due diligence in their laboratory or for desk review or whatever, we cannot approve,” she stated.
Describing herself as a “food freak,” Adeyeye stressed the importance of reading food labels and being aware of GMO content.
She assured Nigerians that any genetically modified product approved for the market has undergone rigorous evaluation.
“For NAFDAC, our goal is to ensure that the food we approve for the market is safe, has quality, and is efficacious,” she added.
Her remarks come at a time when Nigerians are increasingly calling for transparency in food labeling and clearer information about the safety of GMOs.
While some experts argue in favour of GMOs for their role in food security, others remain concerned about potential long-term health risks.
