NAFDAC Food Irradiation Regulations
Regulation · Agriculture
Regulations govern the use of food irradiation for preservation and pest control by setting standards for doses and facilities. They target food irradiation operators and manufacturers to ensure safety. This achieves effective pathogen reduction while informing consumers through labelling.
NAFDAC Food Irradiation Regulations
What Is This Policy?
Regulations governing the use of ionizing radiation to treat food in Nigeria for the purposes of preservation, pest control, and pathogen reduction, setting standards for permitted doses, labelling, and facility requirements.
Who Does It Target?
Food irradiation facility operators Food manufacturers and exporters using irradiation NAFDAC and NNRA regulatory officers Consumers of irradiated food products
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure the safe and effective use of food irradiation technology while informing consumers through clear labelling requirements.
Key Features
Permitted Foods: List of food categories approved for irradiation treatment Dose Limits: Maximum permitted radiation doses for different food types Facility Standards: Licensing and inspection requirements for irradiation facilities Labelling: Irradiated foods must be clearly labelled with the international radura symbol Record-Keeping: Documentation requirements for each irradiation treatment batch
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All food irradiation operations in Nigeria Lead Agency: NAFDAC in collaboration with NNRA
How to Access
Facilities must be licensed by NAFDAC and NNRA. Apply for food irradiation facility license Comply with dose limits and labelling requirements Maintain treatment records for inspection
Official Resources
Website: nafdac.gov.ng Contact: NAFDAC, Abuja
Legal Framework
Issued under the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act 1993 (as amended), which empowers NAFDAC to make regulations, issue guidelines, and enforce standards. Operates alongside the Food and Drugs Act Cap F32 LFN 2004, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act 2015, and the Codex Alimentarius Commission standards adopted by Nigeria. Draws on the Codex Alimentarius General Standard for Irradiated Foods (CODEX STAN 106-1983), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines, and the Atomic Energy (Radiation Safety) Regulations of Nigeria.