The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has clarified that genetically modified foods (GMOs) are not harmful to human health if they comply with established safety standards.
She made this statement during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, addressing increasing concerns and debates surrounding the regulation and consumption of GMOs in Nigeria.
“GMOs are genetically modified foods when it comes to food, and they are not bad for us,” she said. “They’re not bad for us, depending on what type of foods they are and whether the safety considerations have been taken.”
Adeyeye highlighted that the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) holds the primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of GMO products. NAFDAC, she noted, works closely with the agency under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to confirm the safety, quality, and efficacy of these products before they are approved.
“We work in collaboration with the biosafety management agency… Without them certifying that they have done their due diligence… we cannot approve,” she added.
Describing herself as a “food freak,” the NAFDAC boss urged Nigerians to pay attention to product labels for GMO indicators. She reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to only approving foods that meet rigorous safety and quality checks.
Her remarks come at a time when the topic of GMOs continues to spark national discussion, with some advocating for more transparency and others voicing concerns over potential health implications.