By Seun Ibiyemi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cleared Food & Food Integrated Company Limited, producers of BON Bread, following an investigation into claims of unusually extended shelf-life of the product.
The probe was triggered after a social media complaint on April 13, 2026, alleging that a loaf of BON Bread remained unspoiled for over two months without mould growth, raising public concern over possible use of excessive preservatives.
Although the complainant did not identify the brand, the manufacturer later linked the product to its facility and denied any wrongdoing.
According to NAFDAC, the agency immediately launched an investigation to verify the claims and provide scientific clarity to the public. Officials from the Greater FCT Directorate conducted an inspection of the company’s bakery facility in Abuja on April 20, 2026.
The agency also collected samples of BON Bread directly from the production site as well as from retail outlets in the open market for laboratory analysis.
NAFDAC said the company has been in operation since 2006 and has consistently renewed its product licences without any record of penalties or product recalls.
Laboratory results confirmed that the bread contained calcium propionate, a permitted preservative used to inhibit mould growth and extend shelf-life.
The levels detected were within internationally accepted safety limits set by the Codex Alimentarius, the global food safety standard.
The agency further disclosed that all tested samples, including those sourced from both the factory and the market, showed compliance with safety standards and contained no harmful substances such as potassium bromate or non-nutritive sweeteners.
NAFDAC emphasised that the use of preservatives in bread production is legally permitted provided they remain within approved limits, noting that modern food processing techniques are globally accepted when properly regulated.
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Following the findings, the agency concluded that Food & Food Integrated Company Limited is not in violation of any regulatory standards.
It, however, advised members of the public to channel complaints through official NAFDAC offices or verified communication platforms, including its newly established call centre, rather than relying on unverified social media reports.
The agency said such a process would ensure proper documentation, scientific verification, and timely resolution of concerns related to regulated food and drug products.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health while ensuring that food manufacturers comply strictly with safety standards.
