The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismissed allegations of harmful substances in BON Bread following a viral social media controversy over the product’s unusually extended shelf life.
The agency said investigations and laboratory analyses carried out on samples of the bread confirmed that the manufacturer, Food & Food Integrated Company Limited, complied with regulatory standards and did not violate any food safety regulations.
In a statement signed by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Christianah M. Adeyeye, the agency said the controversy began on April 13, 2026, after a social media blogger alleged that a loaf of bread supplied to her for sale remained without mould for more than two months.
Although the bread brand was not initially identified, the manufacturer later acknowledged that the product in question was BON Bread and denied any wrongdoing.
NAFDAC said it immediately launched an investigation into the allegation in response to widespread public concern generated online.
According to the agency, officials from its Greater FCT Directorate inspected the company’s bakery facility in Abuja on April 20, 2026, where bread samples and baking condiments were collected directly from the production line. Additional samples of BON Bread were also purchased from the open market for independent laboratory analysis.
The agency disclosed that the company, which began bread production in 2006, had consistently renewed its product licences without any history of sanctions or product recalls.
NAFDAC further stated that laboratory findings confirmed the use of calcium propionate as a preservative and noted that the quantity used fell within acceptable limits approved under the Codex Alimentarius international food safety standards.
It added that tests conducted on samples obtained both from the factory and the open market showed no trace of objectionable substances, including bromate and non-nutritive sweeteners.
The agency explained that bread manufacturers are permitted to adopt preservation methods capable of extending shelf life, provided such measures comply with approved food safety regulations.
“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,” NAFDAC stated.
The agency also advised Nigerians to channel complaints relating to regulated products through official NAFDAC offices, electronic complaint platforms or its newly established call centre, rather than relying solely on allegations circulated on social media.
