National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has formally cleared Food & Food Integrated Company Limited, the producer of BON Bread, following an investigation triggered by viral social media claims over the product’s shelf life.
The controversy emerged after an online post alleged that a loaf of BON Bread remained mould-free for more than two months, raising public concerns about excessive preservative use and food safety standards within Nigeria’s bread industry.
Brandspur Brand News reports that NAFDAC carried out comprehensive inspections of the manufacturer’s facilities and conducted laboratory analysis on bread samples sourced from production sites and retail outlets. The regulator confirmed that calcium propionate, a commonly approved preservative in bread production, was present at levels consistent with international benchmarks set by Codex Alimentarius, with no prohibited or harmful substances detected.
Food & Food Integrated Company Limited acknowledged that the product referenced in the viral post was BON Bread but described the claims as misleading. The company noted that it has operated since 2006, with a consistent record of regulatory compliance, routine licence renewals, and no history of sanctions or product recalls.
NAFDAC stated that its findings revealed no breach of approved standards governing bread production in Nigeria. The agency cautioned consumers against relying on unverified social media narratives for food safety conclusions, emphasizing that scientific testing and regulatory assessments remain the appropriate basis for evaluating such concerns.
The agency also advised members of the public to report suspected product safety issues through established regulatory channels to ensure timely and evidence-based investigations.
The conclusion of the BON Bread probe comes amid strengthened inter-agency collaboration between NAFDAC and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding designed to improve coordination on consumer complaints and product safety investigations.
Under the agreement, both agencies are required to provide prior notification of investigations involving regulated products, with dispute resolution handled through structured consultations between their chief executives.
The BON Bread case highlights the increasing intersection between social media influence, brand reputation, and regulatory oversight, underscoring the role of Nigeria’s food safety institutions in addressing consumer concerns while maintaining public health standards.
