The Chief Executive Officer and founder of Bon Bread, Maria Abdulkadir, has explained the company’s decision to pursue legal action against a TikTok user following a viral video that questioned the safety and shelf life of one of its products.
The controversy began after a TikTok user known as “Love” posted a video claiming that a loaf of bread allegedly purchased from her shop remained fresh for two months without spoiling. The video quickly gained traction online, sparking widespread debate about food safety and preservatives in baked goods.
The creator later alleged that she was served a legal notice demanding damages of 50 million naira, despite not explicitly naming any brand or showing a logo in her original video. She further claimed that she had been contacted by the company before receiving the court papers.
In response, Abdulkadir addressed the issue in a video shared on the company’s official social media page, stating that the decision to take legal steps followed unsuccessful attempts to clarify the allegations directly with the content creator.
She explained that the claims had already begun to damage the company’s reputation, as online users linked the video to Bon Bread through comment sections and speculation.
According to her, the company attempted to engage the TikToker privately to understand the circumstances behind her claims, but received no cooperation. She maintained that the bread in question could not remain fresh for such a period under normal conditions.
Abdulkadir emphasized that Bon Bread products are freshly baked and typically have a short shelf life without preservatives. She added that the company supports freedom of expression but expects public claims about product safety to be verifiable and responsible.
She clarified that the legal action was not intended as intimidation but as a means of addressing what the company considers false and damaging allegations.
Meanwhile, reactions have continued across social media platforms. Some users called for regulatory oversight of bakery standards, while others argued that the TikToker did not directly identify any brand in her video. Legal commentators also weighed in, noting that defamation cases may depend on whether indirect identification can be elished.
As of now, neither Bon Bread nor relevant regulatory authorities have issued additional statements on the matter.
The case has sparked broader conversations about consumer content, brand reputation, and the legal boundaries of social media commentary in Nigeria’s digital space.
Leave a comment