Nigeria

Nigeria bans the use of antibiotics in animal feed

Safety & Legislation

There are serious concerns about food-related terminal diseases and death that had become a common phenomenon in the country.

Posted on Jan 10 ,11:34

Nigerian authorities have decided to ban the use of antibiotics in animal feed due to concerns regarding food-related terminal diseases and death that had become a common phenomenon in the country. This month, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a ban against the use of antibiotics (growth promoters and mould inhibitor) in animal feeds. With this ban in place, the NAFDAC has started to recommend the use of alternative and approved methods to encourage the growth and the wellbeing of animals, according to Randox Food website.
The Assistant Director and Head, Animal Feed and Premix Division, Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products, NAFDAC, Doctor Tunde Sigbeku stated: “The ban was ordered by the director general of NAFDAC Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, following concerns about food-related terminal diseases and death that had become a common phenomenon in the country”

Mr Sigbeku also stated that although he appreciates that the use of additives in animal feed can benefit the health and wellbeing of animals worldwide there is a tendency for people to misuse them. He states that: “Nigeria has seen a rise in diseases such as kidney failure and cancer in humans due to the fact that the veterinary drug residues are ending up in the food chain for human consumption. There is an issue with people in Nigeria failing to read labels on antibiotics that show the dosage and method, and who also fail to consult professionals before using certain additives in animal feeds.”

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