The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cleared Food & Food Integrated Company Limited, producers of Bon Bread, of any wrongdoing following widespread public concern over claims that the bread remained mould-free for more than two months.
The agency in a statement on Sunday said its investigation and laboratory analysis confirmed that the bread complied with approved safety and quality standards, stressing that no harmful or prohibited substances were detected in the product.
The controversy began after a social media post by an internet blogger on April 13, 2026, alleged that a loaf of bread supplied for sale had remained without mould growth for over two months. Although the blogger did not initially identify the product, Food & Food Integrated Company Limited later stated that the bread in question was Bon Bread and denied allegations of unsafe production practices.
The viral claim triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning the safety of the bread and expressing fears over the possible use of harmful preservatives or chemicals capable of extending shelf life beyond normal expectations.
Responding to the public outcry, NAFDAC said it immediately launched an investigation to establish the facts and reassure consumers with “evidence-based scientific proof.”
The agency disclosed that its Greater FCT Directorate conducted an investigative inspection of the company’s bakery facility in Abuja on April 20, 2026.
According to the statement, officials collected bread and condiment samples directly from the production facility and also purchased samples from the open market for laboratory examination.
NAFDAC said findings from the investigation showed that the company, which commenced bread production in 2006, had consistently renewed its product licences without penalties or product recalls.
The agency stated that laboratory analysis revealed the use of calcium propionate, an approved preservative commonly used in bread production to inhibit mould growth, adding that the quantity detected in the samples was within limits prescribed by the Codex Alimentarius, the internationally recognised food safety standard.
“The Calcium propionate content from the test results of the three sets of BON Bread samples taken from both the production facility and open market were satisfactory,” the agency stated.
It further noted that the bread samples did not contain objectionable substances such as bromate or non-nutritive sweeteners.
NAFDAC explained that bread manufacturers are permitted to adopt preservation methods capable of extending shelf life, provided such methods comply with global 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,” the statement added.
The agency also urged Nigerians to channel complaints about regulated products through its offices and official communication platforms rather than relying solely on social media allegations.
“The public is implored to always visit any of the NAFDAC offices nationwide or use our different electronic handles, including the recently launched call centre, to lay complaints before going to social media,” the agency said.
NAFDAC added that such procedures would allow concerns to be “discreetly and thoroughly investigated.”
