Kano & Katsina, Nigeria – April 2025 A type of food seasoning called “White Maggi,” which is not approved by Nigerian authorities, is now being sold everywhere in some markets in northern Nigeria — and many people are buying it without knowing it may be harmful to their health.
This seasoning, also called Monosodium Glutamate or MSG, is supposed to be used only in industries and not in food for homes. But many traders in places like Singer Market in Kano and Funtua Central Market in Katsina are selling it openly, and government officials have not stopped them.
Some traders even said they’ve never seen any government officials come to warn them or stop them from selling the product.
What is MSG or “White Maggi”?
MSG is a kind of white powder used to make food taste better. It is used in many snacks and food products. But if it is not the safe kind made for food, it can be dangerous. Doctors say using too much of this type of MSG can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
Why Is This a Problem?
Many people buy this unregistered “White Maggi” because it is cheap. With the rising cost of food and living in Nigeria, families are trying to save money. A father of eight children, Kamal Idris, said he started buying the cheaper unbranded MSG because he could no longer afford the popular seasoning cubes.
Also, food sellers and housewives like Hauwa Ismaila and Hadiza Nakowa said they use the seasoning every day in their cooking because it makes food taste good and costs less.
However, experts say it is not safe to use MSG that is not properly tested or approved by health agencies.
Secret Sale of Damaged Seasoning Cubes
Apart from white Maggi, there is another dangerous product called “Garin Maggi”, or crumbled seasoning cubes. These are the broken pieces or waste from the factories that make seasoning cubes. Even though they are not safe, some traders hide and sell them secretly when customers ask.
One trader told the reporter, “We know it’s not allowed, so we don’t keep it out in the open. But people still buy it because it’s cheaper.”
What Did the Government Say?
In 2023, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) promised to stop the sale of this product. They even sent teams to investigate and sealed one warehouse in Sokoto, where over 5,000 bags of MSG were found.
But now, two years later, nothing much has changed. The dangerous MSG is still being sold in many markets across Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto.
A top FCCPC official, Boladale Adeyinka, had said, “We will take action and give updates,” but traders say no action has been taken since then.
Where Does This MSG Come From?
Traders revealed that the MSG is imported from China through the port in Lagos and then brought to the north for sale. At the Singer Market, a big trader named Muhammad Mai Maggi said he sells it to customers from many states, including Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina.
He said, “We’ve never had problems with any government officials. Everyone uses it — from food sellers to families.”
What Do Doctors Say?
Dr. Goke Akinrogunde, a Nigerian medical expert, warned that unapproved MSG has too much sodium and could be dangerous for people’s health, especially if used every day.
“It’s cheap, yes, but it can cause health problems like high blood pressure,” he said.
What’s Happening in the Funtua Market?
In Funtua Central Market, the same kind of MSG is sold in bags or small portions. A trader named Abdul Rashid Abdulrauf said most customers are poor people who can’t afford branded seasonings.
“People want to save money, so they buy the cheaper one,” he said.
Some traders admitted they know the product isn’t allowed but continue selling because there is no one stopping them.
So, What Should Be Done?
Health experts and consumer protection groups say the government must act fast to stop the sale of unregistered and dangerous food products. If not, more people — especially children — may suffer health problems from using these unsafe seasonings.
Many are now asking: Why are government agencies silent while these products flood the market?
The safety of millions of Nigerians, especially children and families, is at risk if nothing is done.
