The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cleared BON Bread and its producer, Food & Food Integrated Company Limited, of any wrongdoing following allegations that the bread had an unusually long shelf life. The agency said its findings showed that the company complied with all food safety and regulatory requirements after carrying out a detailed scientific investigation.
The controversy began in April 2026 after a social media post claimed that a loaf of bread stayed fresh for more than two months without developing mould. The claim quickly gained attention online and raised concerns among consumers about the possible use of harmful preservatives in bread production.
Although the original post did not mention the bread brand, Food & Food Integrated Company Limited later identified BON Bread as the product involved and rejected the allegation. The issue generated widespread debate, prompting NAFDAC to begin an official investigation to determine whether the bread met approved safety standards. According to the agency, officials from its Greater FCT Directorate visited the company’s bakery facility in Abuja on April 20, 2026. During the inspection, samples of BON Bread and other production materials were collected directly from the factory, while additional samples were purchased from the open market for laboratory testing.
After completing the analysis, NAFDAC stated that the bread contained calcium propionate, which is an approved preservative commonly used in bread production to prevent mould and extend shelf life. The agency noted that the quantity detected in the bread was within the acceptable limits approved under the Codex Alimentarius international food safety standards. NAFDAC also confirmed that laboratory tests did not detect harmful substances such as bromate or non nutritive sweeteners in any of the samples examined. The agency therefore concluded that the company had not violated any food safety regulation.
“The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has concluded investigations into public concerns regarding the extended shelf life of BON Bread and confirmed that the manufacturer, Food & Food Integrated Company Limited, is in compliance with regulatory standards,” the agency stated.
The regulator further explained that bread manufacturers are allowed to use approved preservation methods that can help products last longer, provided such methods comply with internationally accepted standards. NAFDAC added that Food & Food Integrated Company Limited has operated since 2006 and has consistently renewed its product licences without sanctions, recalls, or penalties. The agency said this record also supported its conclusion that the company follows approved manufacturing practices.
The agency also advised Nigerians to report concerns about regulated products directly to NAFDAC offices or official complaint channels instead of relying on unverified social media claims. It stressed that scientific investigations remain the best way to determine product safety and protect consumers.
