NAFDAC PRE PACKAGED FOOD WATER AND ICE LABELLING REGULATIONS
Regulation · Trade
An Act mandates labelling requirements for pre-packaged food, water, and ice products in Nigeria, including details on ingredients and nutrition. It targets manufacturers, bottled water producers, ice plants, and importers. This ensures consumers receive accurate information to make informed choices.
What Is This Policy?
Regulations prescribing the mandatory labelling requirements for all pre-packaged food, water, and ice products in Nigeria, including the information that must appear on labels to enable consumers to make informed choices.
Who Does It Target?
Manufacturers of pre-packaged food and beverages Bottled and sachet water producers Ice manufacturing plants Importers of pre-packaged food products
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To ensure that all pre-packaged food, water, and ice products carry accurate, complete, and consumer-friendly labelling, preventing deception and providing consumers with the information they need regarding ingredients, nutrition, allergens, and storage.
Key Features
Mandatory Label Information: Product name, net weight, ingredients, NAFDAC number, manufacturer details, and expiry must appear on every label. Nutritional Labelling: Prescribes the format for nutritional information panels on applicable products. Allergen Declarations: Major allergens such as gluten, nuts, dairy, and soy must be prominently declared. Country of Origin: The country of origin must be stated on all imported products. Date Marking: Best before or use by dates are mandatory and must follow a prescribed format.
Current Status
In force. Actively enforced by NAFDAC through market surveillance, with non-compliant pre-packaged food, water, and ice products subject to seizure and regulatory sanctions.
Submit label artwork to NAFDAC during product registration Comply with all mandatory elements before product launch Update labels when formulation or packaging changes occur Application method: NAFDAC headquarters and zonal offices
Important Terms
Products without a NAFDAC number may not be sold in Nigeria Labels must be in English with other languages permitted as additions Non-compliant labels are grounds for product withdrawal from the market
Official Resources
Website: www.nafdac.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
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 Codex Alimentarius General Standard for the Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods (CODEX STAN 1-1985), WHO food safety standards, and the SON standards for pre-packaged food labelling in Nigeria.