NAFDAC MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS REGULATIONS 2019

What Is This Policy?

These Regulations prescribe the production, processing, importation, labelling, and distribution standards for all milk and dairy products sold or distributed in Nigeria.

Who Does It Target?

Dairy product manufacturers and milk processing companies Importers and wholesale distributors of milk and dairy products Retailers selling milk, yoghurt, cheese, butter, and related products

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To ensure that all milk and dairy products available to Nigerian consumers are safe, nutritionally sound, accurately labelled, and produced under hygienic conditions that meet established public health requirements.

Key Features

Composition Standards: Sets minimum fat and non-fat solid content requirements for each dairy product category Pasteurisation Requirements: Mandates heat treatment standards for liquid milk and other high-risk dairy products Prohibited Additives: Lists substances that must not be added to milk or dairy products under any circumstances Labelling Rules: Requires clear consumer-facing labelling of fat content, production date, expiry, and storage instructions Import Certification: Requires valid health certificates from country of origin for all imported dairy products prior to clearance

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Fully operational Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries to Date: Nigerian consumers and registered dairy producers Funding: NAFDAC registration and inspection fees, supported by federal government appropriations

How to Access

All dairy product manufacturers and importers must register each product with NAFDAC before distribution. Completed NAFDAC product registration application form Evidence of Good Manufacturing Practice compliance for the production facility Laboratory analysis results confirming product composition Label artwork for regulatory review and approval Application method: NAFDAC zonal offices or the NAFDAC e-Regulations portal at nafdac.gov.ng

Important Terms

Non-compliant dairy products are subject to market withdrawal, seizure, and destruction Adulteration of dairy products is a criminal offence under the NAFDAC Act

Official Resources

Website: www.nafdac.gov.ng

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 standards for milk and milk products, the Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines on dairy quality, and the SON Nigerian Industrial Standards for dairy products.