Perceptions of Food Safety Regulations Among Nigerian Stakeholders Towards Addressing Rising Food Fraud Vulnerability: An Empirical Study

Abdulkadir Abubakar

Background and Objective: Owing to uncertainties regarding food safety and the need for confirmation of stakeholder’s perception of national food safety control measures. This study was executed to evaluate the effectiveness of agencies and measures put in place to ensure food safety has necessitated this study. Materials and Methods: The study evaluated the perceptions and experiences of various stakeholders in the Nigerian food sector using electronically administered questionnaire and randomized sampling. The data obtained was summarized, analysed and interpreted to draw inferences based on survey responses. It also evaluates the performance of regulatory agencies in the Nigerian food sector. Results: From the study 53% of Nigerian stakeholders in the food sector had high awareness levels of food safety regulations and challenges. The NAFDAC was rated by the respondents as the most effective agency, while others like NAQS and FMAFS need significant improvements among Nigerian food related agencies. As 53% of the respondents expressed confidence in safety of manufactured food. Conclusion: This study suggested the development and implementation of suitable public policies, stronger enforcement and streamlined processes that would strengthen the existing regulatory framework for food safety in Nigeria. This is necessary to guarantee the safety of everyone involved in the process and to safeguard the health of consumers.

View Fulltext Back