By: Mustapha Gambo Muhammad
The Arewa Youth Protection, Unity and Peace Forum, a non-governmental organization, has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other regulatory agencies to join hands and ensure that the sale of 25kg monosodium glutamate products is conducted in accordance with established standard rules and regulations.
The call was contained in a communique signed by National President of the Forum, Engr Muhammad Haruna Gaza and accordingly issued at the end of 3-day meeting on open sale of 25kg monosodium glutamate held in Kano by the Executive Members of Arewa Youth Protection Unity and Peaceful Forum.
According to the communique the Forum expressed deep concern over the open sale of 25kg monosodium glutamate in the open market, a practice deemed unwholesome and detrimental to public health.
The forum held its call to action meeting in Kano State from Saturday 5th to Monday 7th, April 2025 urges prompt intervention and attention from relevant regulatory agencies, including:
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Federal Consumer Protection Council (FCPC), Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC).
The communique maintainted that, “We believe the sale of such large quantities of 25kg monosodium glutamate in an uncontrolled environment poses significant health risks to consumers.”
The Arewa Youth Forum noted, “Our concerns are rooted in the potential or improper handling, storage, and distribution of this food additive, which may lead to contamination and adverse health effects.
The Arewa Youth Protection Unity and Peaceful Forum demands that the aforementioned agencies take immediate action to:
Regulate the sale of 25kg monosodium glutamate: Ensure that the sale.of this product is conducted in accordance with established standards and monitor market activities: Conduct regular inspections to prevent the sale of contaminated or substandard products.
Educate consumers: Launch public awareness campaigns to inform associated with excessive consumers about the potential risks consumption of monosodium glutamate.
We believe that collective action is necessary to protect the health and well-being of our communities.”
The Forum in addition called on all stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and consumers, to work together to address this pressing issue.
