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Tag: NAFDAC

  • NAFDAC busts Rice repackaging factory in Nasarawa

    NAFDAC busts Rice repackaging factory in Nasarawa

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday raided a rice-repackaging factory in New Karu, Nasarawa, for allegedly counterfeiting popular brands.

    The enforcement operation, which confiscated numerous bags of rice from eight different facilities, was led by Mr Kenneth Azikiwe, the Director in charge of the FCT Directorate of the agency.

    He explained that the operation was prompted by intelligence from members of the public and reports from the owners of the affected brands.

    “Upon receiving these intelligence tips, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, issued a directive that only safe, quality, and wholesome food products should be available to Nigerians during the yuletide and beyond.

    “She specifically instructed that those counterfeiting popular brands of rice should be arrested and their products removed from the market”.

    Azikiwe added that the NAFDAC D-G also ordered corporate enforcement actions against those rebranding other people’s products.

    “This act of counterfeiting rice is illegal. Consumers believe they are buying quality products, but the quality is often substandard.

    “Today, after surveillance activities, we discovered facilities where a woman specialises in repackaging popular brands such as Bull 25kg, Stallion Rice 10kg, Tomatoes Rice 25kg, and several others.

    “This woman uses a warehouse behind her residential house to carry out the repackaging, which is done only at night.

    “Once packaging is completed, the products are moved to a warehouse during the day for sale to unsuspecting consumers.

    “The packaging materials are kept in her residence to avoid raising suspicion among neighbours. Today, we visited the premises, confiscated the packaging materials, and seized some of the finished products.

    “We also inspected her warehouse and stores where these items were kept for sale, confiscating all the brands found there. Additionally, we visited other warehouses involved in similar activities and destroyed their products, ”Azikiwe said.

    He stressed that the agency’s primary aim is to ensure the health and safety of Nigerians.

    Azikiwe urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report cases of counterfeiting, noting that such activities often take place within communities.

    “If you see anyone engaging in such acts, please report to NAFDAC. Counterfeit products are usually of poor quality and are often produced in unhygienic environments, which makes it impossible to create wholesome or quality goods”.

    He also advised the public to buy goods from accredited and trusted food shops, particularly during the festive season.

    “People must learn to purchase from reputable dealers or supermarkets that maintain a reliable supply chain for quality products,” he said.

    Azikiwe further urged Nigerians to always check for NAFDAC registration numbers, as well as the manufacturing and expiry dates, on all products they purchase.

    He revealed that the value of the confiscated counterfeit rice from the operation was approximately N5 million.

  • NAFDAC shuts popular Abia market, destroys goods worth N5bn

    NAFDAC shuts popular Abia market, destroys goods worth N5bn

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market in Abia State, over fake and expired products worth N5 billion.

    The agency disclosed this in a statement on its X handle (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

    NAFDAC said the shops were shut during a two-day operation on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, while products valued at N5billion were destroyed at the market.

    The Director of South-East Zone, Dr. Martins Iluyomade expressed dismay at the continued illegal activities, in spite of a previous undertaking signed by market leaders in December, 2023 to expose counterfeiters.

    According to the statement, Iluyomade described the market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard products.

    “Our team uncovered a large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods, including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils.

    “Revalidated food items such as milk, yoghurt, noodles among others were also destroyed,” the director said.

    It reaffirms NAFDAC zero tolerance for such practices and emphasised its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health while working toward a permanent solution to the problem of counterfeit in the market.

  • NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to counterfeit malaria drug

    NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to counterfeit malaria drug

    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the sales and distribution of counterfeit Paludex tablets and suspensions across Nigeria.

    In a statement on its X handle (formerly twitter), NAFDAC said that the Paludex Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets (80mg/480mg), were manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, No. 33A/33B Standard Industrial Layout Emene- Enugu State.

    It said that the counterfeit drugs were being marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd, Emene Industrial Layout also in Enugu State.

    The statement disclosed that NAFDAC also found in circulation, a Paludex (Artemether/Lumefantrine) dry powder for oral suspension (180mg/1080mg) for paediatric use.

    According to the statement, the oral suspension is manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, No. 33A/33B Standard Industrial Layout in Enugu and Ecomed Pharma Limited in Ogun State and marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd.

    NAFDAC said that the results of laboratory analysis on both products by a WHO-prequalified laboratory in Germany indicated zero per cent ‘Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient’ (API’s) in the products.

    It said that the agency also sampled the same products and the reports of analysis confirmed zero per cent of API contents.

    According to the statement, the products do not exist on NAFDAC registered product database and all NAFDAC registration numbers stated on the products are false.

    It noted that genuine Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets or suspension was a combination of the two medications Artemether and Lumefantrine used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria in adults and children.

    “The illegal marketing of medicines or counterfeit medicines poses a great risk to the health of people. By not complying with the regulatory provisions, the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed

    “Also, poor-quality pediatric formulations or medicines in general have the potential of causing treatment failure when the API content is below the prescribed dose,” it said.

    NAFDAC said that all its zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the fake products within their zones and states.

    It also implored distributors, healthcare providers, and patients to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid distribution, administration, and use of the products.

    The agency said that all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers.

    “The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked. Anyone in possession of any of the above-mentioned products is advised to immediately discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

    The agency advised the public, especially those who have used any of the products to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

    It also advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

  • Manufacturer of drug with serious adverse effect in custody – NAFDAC

    Manufacturer of drug with serious adverse effect in custody – NAFDAC

    The manufacturer of the recalled batch of Deekins Amoxycilin 500mg capsule is in custody, says the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the agency, confirmed this on Tuesday at a news conference in Lagos.

    On Dec. 11, NAFDAC notified the public of the recall of one batch of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsule.

    The product was allegedly manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd. and allegedly marketed by DevineKings Pharmaceutical Ltd., with lot number 4C639001.

    The drug batch was recalled following reports of allegedly serious adverse drug reactions received from a hospital that reported three cases of serious adverse drug reactions from patients administered with the batch of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsule.

    Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic indicated for treating bacterial infections such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, and bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, skin, or urinary tract.

    Adeyeye said: “The producer of the drug gave another company to contract the manufacturing for them and there’s nothing wrong with that but the contracted manufacturer was already in trouble.

    “We’ve already shut the company down, before you agree to do contract manufacturing for somebody, we must know.

    “Before you go to a company to do contract manufacturing for you, you must tell us. Neither of them told us, so we shut them down.

    “Deekins Amoxicillin has been tied to that contract manufacturer, so we invited them to our office where the contract manufacturer said, they just manufactured samples for registration.

    “Manufacturers are expected to show some samples before manufacturing but the spread of the product is more than a few packets that they claimed to have manufactured.

    “The manufacturer is already in custody, the drugs are still being tested in the laboratory to know what is inside and to determine if there will be more charges against the person.”

    Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that only safe, effective, and scientifically supported products are approved.

  • NAFDAC laments shortage of staff

    NAFDAC laments shortage of staff

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has expressed concern over its staff shortage, which was limiting the agency’s effectiveness in its regulatory duties.

    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, discussed this challenge during an interview  in Abuja.

    She explained that while NAFDAC was often associated with regulating substandard and falsified medicines, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) was also involved in the process, specifically in the registration of drug-selling sites and practitioners.

    However, Adeyeye noted that both agencies were severely understaffed, a situation that impacted their ability to effectively carry out their roles.

    She called on the government to address the staffing issue to ensure efficient service delivery.

    “PCN is responsible for registering drug-selling sites, whether a small kiosk or large shop, and also the practitioners.

    “But both NAFDAC and PCN face staff shortages, which hinder our ability to reach every corner of the country,” she said in the interview with NAN.

    Adeyeye pointed out that while NAFDAC had been working closely with PCN, the staff shortage remained a significant obstacle.

    She compared Nigeria’s staffing situation with that of Indonesia, which, with a population of 280 million, had 20,000 staff at its regulatory agency, while Nigeria, with 220 million people, had only 2,000 NAFDAC staff.

    On the recent labour union crisis at NAFDAC, Adeyeye clarified that the unions’ demands, including promotions for staff based on the last promotion exam, were beyond the agency’s authority.

    She explained that the number of promotions was determined by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), not NAFDAC management.

    “The Head of Service has the mandate for the number of staff to be promoted. It is not something NAFDAC could unilaterally decide.

    “After discussions with the unions, and with intervention from the presidency, the issue has been resolved for now,” she said.

    Adeyeye added that NAFDAC had continued to support its staff by ensuring timely payment of salaries, allowances, and other benefits.

    She also noted that since her appointment, there had been a significant change in the agency, with staff acknowledging the friendly and supportive management.

    “Things have changed completely in NAFDAC. The staff knows they have a management that is always on their side,” she concluded.

  • NAFDAC warns against use of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsule

    NAFDAC warns against use of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsule

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians against the use of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules.

    This follows reports of serious adverse reactions experienced by patients across the country.

    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

    She stated that the agency was investigating the drug, which was manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Limited and marketed by Devine Kings Pharmaceutical Limited, with lot number 4C639001.

    She said that NAFDAC had received reports of three serious adverse reactions linked to this batch of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules from a hospital.

    “In a statement from Mr Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) for Divine King Pharmaceutical Ltd, it was revealed that only 20 packets of the affected batch were produced by Ecomed Pharma Ltd for registration renewal purposes.

    “However, 790 packs of batch 4C639001, which were recalled, were not manufactured by the company.

    “The suspected substandard products have been sent for laboratory analysis, and the investigation is ongoing.

    “The Quality Control and Production Managers have been invited for further questioning,”she said.

    “NAFDAC has also notified the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, which issued the site license for the company, as well as the pharmacist in charge.

    Adeyeye said NAFDAC had urged the public to avoid using Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules from the affected batch.

    “Distributors, healthcare providers, and patients are advised to be cautious and vigilant.”

    She said that the agency also recommended that all medical products should only be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers and that their authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked before purchase.

    “Anyone with the affected product is urged to submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office immediately.

    “If you or someone you know has used this product and experienced any adverse reactions, seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

    “NAFDAC has placed an alert about the recall of this product on December 3, 2024, and consumers are encouraged to report any suspicions of substandard or falsified medicines to NAFDAC via the provided contact information.

    “The agency also urges healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the product through NAFDAC’s E-reporting platforms or the Med-safety app available for download on Android and iOS.”

  • NAFDAC destroys goods worth N11bn in Ibadan

    NAFDAC destroys goods worth N11bn in Ibadan

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday in Ibadan destroyed unwholesome products worth about N11 billion.

    The destruction of the unwholesome, substandard, falsified, medicinal and other unwholesome regulated products, was carried out at Akinyele Dump site, Ibadan.

    The NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the South-West Zonal Director of the agency, Mrs Roseline Ajayi, said that
    the destruction was a key component of the functions of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.

    She added that the directorate is charged with the responsibility of investigating unwholesome, substandard, fake and counterfeit regulated products.

    She said that the move was to mop up unwholesome products from circulation to safeguard the health of citizens.

    Adeyeye said the effort of ridding the system of unwholesome and substandard regulated products from circulation is being supported by sister agencies, including the
    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Police.

    She explained that the items for destruction were collected from the five states of the South West Zone (excluding Lagos) of the agency and Kwara, in the North Central Zone (because of proximity) to South-West zone.

    She said “these items include expired products that were voluntarily forfeited by those in the drug distribution channel, unregistered and unwholesome products seized from different outlets and warehouses, fake and counterfeit, as well as unregistered imported products smuggled into the country.

    “The worth of what is being destroyed today is estimated to be N10,991, 458, 374.60.”

    “The purpose for this public destruction is to convey strong signal that all items being confiscated by the agency are not being diverted for personal use.

    “We assure the public that with NAFDAC and sister agencies, unwholesome products are being removed from circulation.”

    According to her, the destruction under close monitoring by the Oyo State Government is to reduce the impact of pollution on the environment.

    For the agency to fulfill its mandate, she said, several strategies were employed.

    The strategies include registration and laboratory testing of regulated products, inspection of production facilities and warehouse, pharmacovigilance, chemical evaluation and research.

    Adeyeye, therefore, called for continued support and partnership with stakeholders to keep Nigeria safe and free from unwholesome, substandard, fake and counterfeit medicinal and other regulated products.

    Mr Mohammed Shaba, the NAFDAC Director, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, said that the agency had destroyed unwholesome products worth N98.6 billion so far in 2024.

    Shaba urged the public to report any unscrupulous manufacturers who engage in illicit practices to the nearest NAFDAC office for prompt investigation.

    Also, Dr Akin Fagbemi, the Chairman, Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, pledged the Oyo State Government’s continued support to ensure that unwholesome products were out of the system.

    He added that “the government’s interest is to safeguard the health of the nation.”

    Dignitaries at the destruction included representatives of the NCS, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the police, among others.

  • Beware of fake drinks – NAFDAC warns Nigerians

    Beware of fake drinks – NAFDAC warns Nigerians

    The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, has warned Nigerians against consumption of fake and adulterated drinks, especially during the Yuletide.

    Adeyeye, who gave the warning when she appeared at the NAN Forum in Abuja, said the proliferation of fake and adulterated drinks, food and drugs in the country had affected the health of many Nigerians.

    Adeyeye also urged Nigerian to desist from patronising roadside drug stores, saying most of their storage facilities were poor and the medicines fake.

    “Do not buy medicines in the corner store or just somebody that has a kiosk or hawks around. Go to a pharmacy store to buy medicine.

    ”It could be costly, but please bear in mind that we are in this economic storm because many people do not have the money Do not buy it because it is cheap as it can cause harm, affect health, or cause death.

    ”Drinks are the most falsified during seasons, we just have to be very careful,” she said.

    She advised Nigerians to be vigilant and look out for products that do not carry NAFDAC’s registration number and expiry date before purchase.

  • Confusion as NAFDAC denies sachet water crackdown in Lagos

    Confusion as NAFDAC denies sachet water crackdown in Lagos

    There’s a bit confusion as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has denied involvement in the incident showing individuals destroying sachet water packs at factories and public buses which speculated a government ban in Lagos.

    The agency via its social media on Sunday, December 1st, stated that the actions of the individuals which had gone viral did not align with its enforcement protocols.

    The agency clarified: “The videos circulating of individuals engaging in enforcement activities are NOT NAFDAC officials or part of our Investigation & Enforcement team.

    “Furthermore, stopping vehicles to destroy products is unprofessional and does not align with any NAFDAC Standard Operating Procedure.”

    Meanwhile, TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) earlier reported that the Lagos State Government also refuted claims that it plans to ban the production and sale of sachet water, popularly known as ‘pure water’ in the state.

    Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday emphasized that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to addressing plastic waste through sustainable and inclusive measures rather than outright bans.

    The statement comes in the heels of speculations about a government ban following a viral video showing individuals destroying packs of sachet water in factories and on buses.

    Wahab also reiterated the government’s ongoing efforts to combat plastic pollution, referencing an Engagement Workshop organized by the ministry on October 3, 2024.

  • NAFDAC issues warning to frozen food sellers

    NAFDAC issues warning to frozen food sellers

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned frozen food dealers to stop the sale and distribution of unregistered and prohibited products.

    The agency made this announcement on Friday during a one-day sensitisation programme at Kado Fish Market in Abuja.

    The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasised that the importation and distribution of banned products must stop to support local farmers and producers of frozen food.

    Adeyeye was represented by Mr Kenneth Azikiwe, the Director in charge of the FCT Directorate.

    She reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to eliminating the illegal production, distribution, and sale of unregistered packaged food, water, and other regulated products.

    She noted that the initiative aims to safeguard public health, particularly during the festive season.

    “This sensitisation programme is designed to ensure good storage and distribution practices in the market because properly stored food products maintain quality before consumption.

    “We are here at Kado Fish Market, the largest fish market in North-Central Nigeria, to ensure that frozen chicken, fish, and meat products are appropriately stored and safe for public consumption”.

    She urged market association members to prioritise purchasing locally manufactured and NAFDAC-registered frozen products to ensure quality and safety for consumers.

    Adeyeye warned that violators of the Federal Government’s ban on the importation of frozen chicken, turkey, and catfish would face strict enforcement measures.

    The Chairman of the Frozen Food Sellers Association at Kado Fish Market, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, welcomed the sensitisation programme and pledged the association’s support for NAFDAC’s regulations.

    He assured the agency that members would comply with the policies to promote the well-being of Nigerians.

    Mohammed, however appealed to NAFDAC to enforce its policies with fairness and compassion. In a related development, NAFDAC has conducted inspections of water production factories in the FCT.

    The inspection is to ensure compliance with hygienic standards and good manufacturing practices among sachet and table water producers.