In Nigeria, approximately 11.2 million individuals are currently living with diabetes, a figure that underscores a growing public health crisis. Food scientists and industry representatives are advocating for evidence-based adjustments in sugar consumption to enhance food safety and quality.
The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) and the International Sweeteners Association (ISA) convened a two-day conference titled “Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners in Nigeria: The Science and Safety,” emphasizing the need for a framework that supports the shift toward low- and no-calorie sweeteners in food and beverages.
Dr. Bola Osinowo, president of NIFST, highlighted that Nigeria is confronting a surge in diet-related non-communicable diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes and obesity. He indicated that clinical assessments suggest that the economic implications of diabetes are significant, with affected individuals spending between N20,000 to over N150,000 monthly on various healthcare necessities.
The shortage of specialists is compounding this issue; fewer than 200 endocrinologists are active in the nation. Osinowo stated, “We cannot discuss the future of food formulation in Nigeria without acknowledging our current public health and economic realities.” He emphasized the need for improved regulatory frameworks and scientific approaches to facilitate this transition.
The conference also revealed a gap in consumer knowledge regarding sweeteners and dietary intake data. Although awareness levels concerning sweeteners were reported at 73.5% in certain surveys, between 67% and 70.8% of participants demonstrated limited understanding of their health implications.
Current studies indicate that a significant portion of young adults regularly consume aspartame-sweetened carbonated beverages, raising concerns about dietary trends and potential risks. Conference participants stressed the necessity for national dietary databases to track sweetener consumption across different demographic groups.
Additionally, the 10% tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) is prompting manufacturers to reformulate their products while presenting new technical challenges. Effective reformulation must consider more than just sweetness; it also involves maintaining product characteristics despite adverse storage conditions in Nigeria’s climate.
The conference recommended stronger connections among food manufacturers, academic institutions, and research bodies to explore sweetener formulations suitable for local environments. They also called for coordinated communication efforts to counter misinformation and provide reliable information to both healthcare professionals and consumers.
Industry stakeholders are urging the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to synchronize Nigerian food additive regulations with global safety standards. Additionally, they proposed the creation of specialized training programs and simplified fact sheets about sweetener safety for healthcare providers.
As Nigeria grapples with increasing diet-related diseases, a comprehensive response emphasizing sugar reduction, public education, regulatory support, and local research initiatives is deemed essential.
