Monitoring refers to the regular observation, inspection, and assessment of chemicals, food, and drugs to ensure they meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Control involves taking measures to prevent the sale or use of unsafe or substandard chemicals, food, and drugs.

The aim is to protect public health, ensure consumer safety, and maintain trust in business.

Meaning of Chemicals

Chemicals are substances with a defined composition used in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and daily life.

Chemicals can be beneficial or harmful depending on their nature, concentration, and how they are used.

Examples of suitable chemicals:

1. Household cleaning agents used as directed.


2. Fertilizers used for agriculture in recommended amounts.


3. Pharmaceuticals approved for human use.

Examples of chemicals not suitable for use:

1. Counterfeit or untested drugs.


2. Industrial chemicals mixed with food.


3. Expired or contaminated chemicals.

1. To Ensures products are safe for human use or consumption.


2. To Prevents health hazards, poisoning, or disease outbreaks.


3. To Protects consumers from fraudulent or substandard products.


4. To Promotes trust in businesses and their products.


5. To Ensures compliance with government laws and regulations.


6. To Maintains quality standards in the market.


7. To Encourages proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and drugs.

1. NAFDAC – Regulates food, drugs, chemicals, and cosmetics.


2. SON – Ensures products meet approved quality standards.


3. Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture – Oversee public health and food safety.


4. Local Regulatory Authorities – Conduct inspections in markets, shops, and production facilities.

1. Inspection of Manufacturing Facilities: Checking production processes for hygiene, quality, and safety.


2. Laboratory Testing: Analyzing samples to ensure compliance with safety standards.


3. Certification and Labeling: Proper labeling with instructions, composition, and expiry date.


4. Market Surveillance: Checking shops, markets, and pharmacies for unsafe products.


5. Record Keeping: Maintaining production, importation, and distribution records.

1. Licensing and Registration: Only authorized producers and sellers can handle chemicals, food, and drugs.


2. Recall of Substandard Products: Removing unsafe or expired products from the market.


3. Penalties for Violations: Fines, imprisonment, or business closure for selling unsafe products.


4. Education and Awareness: Informing manufacturers, sellers, and consumers about safe usage.


5. Proper Storage and Packaging: Preventing spoilage and contamination of chemicals and drugs.

1. Presence of illegal or unregistered vendors.


2. Availability of counterfeit products.


3. Limited resources for inspections and laboratory testing.


4. Low consumer awareness about safety standards.


5. Difficulty in tracking imported products from unauthorized sources.

1. Ensure products meet quality and safety standards.


2. Maintain proper records of production, sourcing, and distribution.


3. Follow ethical practices in labeling and marketing.


4. Cooperate with regulatory agencies during inspections.


5. Educate staff and consumers on safe handling, storage, and usage.

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Summary

• Monitoring and control of chemicals, food, and drugs protect consumer health and ensure compliance with laws.


• Agencies like NAFDAC, SON, and government ministries enforce regulations.


• Businesses have a role in ensuring safe products, ethical practices, and consumer education.


• Effective monitoring and control reduce health risks, prevent fraud, and build trust in the market.

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Revision Questions

1. Define monitoring and control of chemicals, food, and drugs.


2. What is the meaning of chemicals? Give examples of suitable and unsuitable chemicals.


3. Why is monitoring and control of chemicals, food, and drugs necessary?


4. Name two government agencies responsible for monitoring chemicals, food, and drugs.


5. State four methods of monitoring products.


6. Mention three methods of controlling unsafe or substandard products.


7. Identify two challenges faced in monitoring and control.


8. Explain the role of businesses in ensuring product safety.


9. Why is proper labeling and certification important for consumer safety?