Bakers deny using substandard materials for bread production

The Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN) says no unwholesome or substandard materials are used in the production of bread by any of its members.

In a statement on Tuesday by Emmanuel Onuorah, president of PBAN, the association assured customers and all stakeholders that its members adhere strictly to the highest standards of food safety and quality in bread production. 

Recently, Roseline Ajayi, the southwest coordinator of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said bread sold in the markets is failing laboratory tests because producers are using saccharine due to the high cost of sugar.

Shortly after, a reporter made a video of Ajayi’s comment and further advised Nigerians to avoid consuming bread.

Reacting to this on Tuesday, NAFDAC dissociated itself from this comment and cautioned bakers in the country against using unapproved food additives.

In response, Onuorah said the comments were “unfounded rumours and misinformation”.

“PBAN strongly reiterates that no unwholesome or substandard materials are used in the production of bread by any of our member bakeries,” Onuorah said.

“As a reputable association, PBAN is deeply committed to upholding the integrity of the breadmaking industry in Nigeria. 

“All our members strictly comply with the regulations and guidelines set forth by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other relevant regulatory bodies. 

“We ensure that every ingredient used in the baking process is safe, wholesome, and meets the highest quality standards.”

‘MEMBERS BUSINESSES AT RISK’

The association also condemned the content of the video circulated on Tiktok, which PBAN said is driven by the “unsubstantiated claim made by NAFDAC, Ibadan Office, to tar all bread produced in Nigeria as gladdened with unwholesome baking ingredients and unfit for consumption by unsuspecting Nigerians”. 

“That ungodly video is in bad taste with the potential to drag down the businesses of our hardworking members, who toil day and night to produce healthy bread for the consuming public,” PBAN said. 

“Please, we urge the general public to disregard that video in its entirety.”

Onuorah also said the association’s commitment to producing safe and nutritious bread is unwavering, and stringent internal controls have been established to ensure that all aspects of production processes are in full compliance with extant laws governing food processing in Nigeria. 

He said PBAN will continue to work closely with NAFDAC and other regulatory agencies to continuously improve the association’s practices and ensure the safety of the public. 

Onuorah also urged the public to continue to trust in the quality of bread produced by its members, knowing that their health and safety remain the association’s utmost priority.