The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has mandated food and beverage manufacturers to reduce industrially produced trans-fatty acids (TFAs) in their products, giving them an 18-month grace period until early 2026 for full compliance.
What the Regulations Require
Under the Fats, Oils, and Foods Containing Fats and Oils Regulations 2022, industrial TFAs must not exceed 2 grams per 100 grams of total fat or oil in food products.
Manufacturers are expected to reformulate their products, adjust labels and eliminate partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), which are a primary source of industrial trans fats.
Grace Period and Enforcement
The 18-month moratorium allows companies to exhaust existing non-compliant stock, update labelling that may not yet reflect the new TFA requirement, and rework formulations to meet the limit.
Enforcement is set to begin fully in early 2026. Products with trans fats above the limit will be subject to regulatory action.
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Health and Public Policy Rationale
TFAs are linked to raised low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and up to 28% higher risk of heart-disease-related deaths.
The move aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) “REPLACE” action plan for TFA elimination, and Nigeria’s broader goals under non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention and food safety.
Challenges and Implementation Step
Laboratory capacity: NAFDAC has begun strengthening labs for testing TFAs in foods. Some laboratories already meet requirements; others are being upgraded.
Stakeholder collaboration: Regulators, industry players, public health advocates, and civil society groups are involved in awareness-raising, supporting reformulation, and ensuring that the food supply chain adapts.
