By Anan Geolengs
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cleared Bon Bread manufacturer over allegations concerning extended bread shelf life.
The controversy began after a viral TikTok video made by one Ms Love Dooshima showed a loaf allegedly remaining fresh for nearly two months without spoilage.
The development triggered public debate on food safety, bread preservatives, consumer rights, and corporate response to online criticism.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said investigations confirmed Food & Food Integrated Company Ltd complied with regulatory standards and food safety requirements.
The agency began investigations after a social media claim alleged a loaf of bread remained mould-free for over two months without spoilage.
Although the complainant did not identify the bread brand, BON Bread manufacturer publicly acknowledged the product and described the allegation as misleading.
NAFDAC inspected the company’s bakery facility in Abuja and collected bread samples from production lines and open markets for laboratory analysis.
Findings showed the bread contained calcium propionate, an approved preservative used in bread production within Codex Alimentarius permissible limits.
Laboratory tests also confirmed the absence of bromate, non-nutritive sweeteners, and other objectionable substances in the bread samples analysed.
NAFDAC further confirmed the company maintained compliance since operations began in 2006, with no penalties or product recalls recorded.
The agency assured the public that Food & Food Integrated Company Ltd was not in violation of any NAFDAC regulation.
NAFDAC encouraged Nigerians to report concerns about regulated products through its offices nationwide for prompt investigation and verification.
Reacting, BON Bread founder and Chief Executive Officer, Maria Umeagwukadilo, said all ingredients were clearly listed on every bread package.
She said the company respected freedom of speech but remained confident about the safety and quality of its products.
“We eat this bread daily with our families and friends and know it never lasts beyond seven days naturally,” she said.
Umeagwukadilo urged Nigerians not to accept all social media claims as facts, stressing that livelihoods had been affected by the controversy.
She thanked customers for supporting BON Bread for nearly 20 years, saying the company remained committed to quality and service delivery.
According to her, BON Bread has become part of daily life in homes, schools, offices and communities across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Ms Dooshima said she had reported the matter to NAFDAC and was awaiting the agency’s investigation outcome.
Dooshima maintained that her actions were not directed at any specific bread brand but aimed at promoting food safety awareness.
“If the results show the bread is safe, we will come out and tell the public,” she said.
