Food Labelling Compliance Assessment for Processed Foods in Nigerian Supermarkets

Accurate and complete food labelling is a prerequisite for informed consumer choice and a core food safety regulation requirement under the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. This study assesses compliance of food labels on processed products sold in supermarkets in Abuja, Kano, and Enugu with the Nigerian labelling requirements for pre-packaged foods. A total of 240 product labels were assessed across six food categories including snacks, beverages, dairy products, sauces, cereals, and meat products. The compliance checklist covered mandatory label elements including product name, ingredient list, net quantity, manufacturer address, date markings, nutritional information, storage conditions, and allergen declarations. Labels were also assessed for legibility, language accuracy, and conformance with nutritional labelling format requirements. Results showed overall compliance of 58 percent, with highest compliance in multinational brand products (82 percent) and lowest in locally produced informal sector brands (38 percent). Allergen declarations were missing in 67 percent of products that contained known allergens. Date marking errors were present in 22 percent of sampled products. The study draws on recent food labelling regulation literature for developing country markets. Findings provide empirical evidence for strengthening enforcement by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and for industry compliance capacity building. Keywords: food labelling, compliance, packaged foods, Nigeria, food regulation