…finds no harmful substance

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reassured Nigerians that BON Bread produced by Food & Food Integrated Company Limited complies with national and international food safety standards, following widespread social media concerns over the bread’s unusually long shelf life.

The agency said its investigation was triggered after a blogger alleged online that a loaf of bread supplied for sale remained fresh for more than two months without developing mould.

Although the complainant did not initially identify the bread brand, the manufacturer of BON Bread later responded, insisting the allegation was misleading.

In response to the growing public concern, NAFDAC immediately launched an investigation to establish scientific facts surrounding the claim.

According to the agency, inspectors from its Greater FCT Directorate visited the bakery facility in Abuja on April 20, 2026, where they carried out an investigative inspection and collected bread samples and condiments for laboratory analysis. Additional samples were also purchased from the open market for independent testing.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Christianah Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed that laboratory findings confirmed the bread contained calcium propionate, a preservative legally permitted in bread production globally.

She explained that the quantity used by the company was within the approved limits specified by the Codex Alimentarius, the internationally recognised food safety code.

“The bread samples analyzed did not contain objectionable substances, including bromate and non-nutritive sweeteners,” she stated.

Adeyeye further noted that the manufacturer had operated since 2006 and had successfully undergone several product licence renewals without penalties or product recalls.

She stressed that bread producers are permitted to adopt approved preservation methods capable of extending shelf life, provided such practices comply with global food safety standards.

“As a result of the foregoing, the public is hereby informed that the company is not in violation of any of the agency’s regulations,” she said.

NAFDAC also urged Nigerians to channel complaints about regulated products directly to the agency through its offices, electronic platforms, or newly launched call centre instead of rushing to social media.

According to the agency, such a process would ensure complaints are “discreetly and thoroughly investigated” before conclusions are drawn, thereby protecting both public health and legitimate businesses