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Tag: NAFDAC

  • NAFDAC destroys fake products worth N43bn in Ibadan

    NAFDAC destroys fake products worth N43bn in Ibadan

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday in Ibadan began the destruction of  fake products worth N43 billion. The exercise tagged “Investigation and Enforcement, Lagos destruction of fake, expired, substandard and falsified drugs, medical devices and unwholesome regulated products”, was carried out at Moniya dump site, Ibadan.

    The NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Christianah Adeyeye, was represented by  NAFDAC Deputy Director, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Mr Shaba Mohammed.

    She said the products being destroyed comprised food additives, unsafe cosmetics, counterfeits and other expired NAFDAC Regulated Products.

    These were seized by the Agency from manufacturers, importers and distributors.

    Adeyeye added that among the destroyed products also included damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, NGOs and Trade Unions, to the Agency.

    “The estimated street value of the products being destroyed is N43 billion; NAFDAC has been charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the health of the nation is safeguarded.

    “As such, it is committed to eliminating medical products, illicit drugs, unwholesome foods, chemicals, medical devices, and other products.

    “There were several hawkers’ raids carried out across various locations in Lagos. Several unregistered and registered pharmaceutical products were seized.

    “The products seized comprise various aphrodisiacs and sex enhancement drugs. Some Over-The-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Only Medicines (POM) drugs were also found and seized from the hawkers.

    “Over 30 wares were seized in total. Products peddled by these drug hawkers including banned Codeine substances and narcotic drugs (e.g. Tramadol capsules), Antimalarial, Aphrodisiacs, Analgesics, Antibiotics worth over N48 million were confiscated,” she said.

    She said the agency gathered intelligence on illegal warehousing, sale and distribution of Schedule 1 Narcotics by some pharmaceutical vendors in Lagos and other locations in the country.

    Adeyeye added that Investigation and Enforcement of the agency raided some pharmaceutical warehouses and premises across the country to confiscate products worth over N700 million following discrete surveillance.

    “Some other products for destruction today are some products that were mopped up from circulation during Investigation and Enforcement Directorate’s raids.

    “These include illicit and unregistered pharmaceutical products, such as codeine syrup, expired tramadol, aphrodisiacs, anti-malarials, and many other unregistered drugs.

    “Other products are contraband soaps, tomato paste, unregistered and counterfeit drinks, food products, perfumes, and body sprays,” she said.

    Adeyeye urged the public to join NAFDAC in the fight against counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed food and other NAFDAC Regulated products.

    This, she added, should be done by reporting unscrupulous manufacturers and businessmen who engage in illicit practices to the nearest NAFDAC Office for prompt investigation.

    She said as part of the strategies to fight counterfeiting of regulated products in the country, the Federal Government directed the establishment of four Coordinated Wholesale Centers (CWC) across the country.

    “The Kano CWC has taken off early this year as the flagship. The remaining ones, we are working round the clock to get them established before the end of the year.

    “In furtherance of the Anti-Counterfeiting move, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, is set for the inauguration of the Federal and State Task Forces on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods at a date to be announced soon.

    “I sincerely and openly appreciate the collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), for handing over several containers of unregistered, expired, substandard, falsified and unwholesome regulated products which will also be destroyed today,” Adeyeye said.

    Also, the NAFDAC Deputy Director, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Mr Aderemi Afolabi, remarked that the agency laid down procedures for all regulated products.

    “Anyone who does not follow the procedure will have a problem with NAFDAC,” Afolabi said.

    Dignitaries at the destruction exercise included representatives of the Police, Oyo state government, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria Customs Services among others.

  • Health hazard: Experts call for urgent action against illegal ‘pure water’ factories

    Health hazard: Experts call for urgent action against illegal ‘pure water’ factories

    Professionals in the health sector have raised the alarm and called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to tackle illegal and unfit sachet (pure) water factories littered across the country.

    Former Director of Pharmacy, Federal Ministry of Health, Ologun Taye Joseph (Rtd), led the call during an anti-corruption radio program, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, Wednesday in Abuja.

    The reaction is coming on the heels of an investigative report published by TheCable indicting 22 sachet water factories in Sokoto State producing contaminated water, while 12 others run with expired licenses.

    The experts say the distribution of unhealthy drinking water is prevalent across Nigeria.

    Joseph warned that the health challenges of substandard ‘pure water’ produced from several unapproved factories are escalating and becoming endemic, needing a multi-sectoral approach before it will be addressed.

    He added that the rising cases of unapproved sachet water factories are bolstered by systemic failure, NAFDAC’s inability to regulate activities of non-state actors, and corruption.

    Joseph said all hands must be on deck if the menace of unhealthy sachet water production across Nigeria is to be checked, re-stating that NAFDAC cannot alone stop the threat.

    “The problem of contaminated pure water didn’t start today, and we (the Nigerian government) must have a multi-sectoral approach to the issue because it’s becoming a serious challenge in society right now.

    “On one hand, it’s caused by the system’s failure in one way, and on the other hand, non-actors are upping their game in terms of state control.”

    Joseph noted that corruption is not far-fetched in the reasons behind NAFDAC’s regulatory shortcomings. However, it may not be easily proven, “It’s difficult to prove corruption, but it is glaring now that some people are cutting corners, and it is not good for the nation’s health. There are compromises in terms of making a profit and then not using quality material, and some people don’t renew their rent when due, so there are myriads of issues that are embedded, and this also points out that there are corrupt practices underneath”.

    He urged the government to address manpower gaps in NAFDAC and prioritize the use of technology in their operations, as well as massive sensitization of Nigerians.

    “NAFDAC has to do more in terms of sensitization. Another approach is to co-opt some people who will be a team of inspectors in each state and inter-agency collaborations.

    “NAFDAC is trying its best; however, they are very limited in manpower. They have to be able to challenge the volume of issues with them. Some people are retiring and leaving the organization for some reason or the other, and there seems to be no replacement,” Joseph advised.

    Similarly, a medical practitioner and leadership consultant, Dr Victor Otubo, described the quality of sachet water produced and sold in the country as worrisome and a signal of the weaknesses of the Nigerian state.

    Otubo alluded that corruption in the system and lack of consequence for corrupt acts were responsible for the booming illegal and unhealthy pure water businesses across the country while urging the Professor Mojisola Adeyeye-led agency to adopt the late Dora Akunyili’s style of administration to combat the problem.

    He opined that the solution lies in NAFDAC adopting whistleblowing in their operations, increasing surveillance, and localizing industries in the same zone for easy monitoring and public-private partnership.

    “People want to drink water every day. Water is very essential. Our human body is made up of water than any other stuff, that’s why there’s a need for proper regulation. Where there is poor political will or ability to manage things like this, that is where the government should employ two strategies – first is the public/private partnership, just like it is done in the United Arab Emirates, and second, create industrial zones so that factories can be easily monitored”.

    Otubo urged parents to take extra measures for the water their wards consume by encouraging regular hand-wash at school and home and noting that the use of sanitizers and boiling of their water can go a long way to keep children away from diseases.

    “the people who are most impacted by contaminated water are our children. Most kids don’t buy water on the road. They drink from home and in school. So I encourage parents to discuss this matter to ensure that the water that the kids have access to in schools and are drinkable water and also at home ensure the best practices are adhered to,” He advised.

    On his part, an investigative journalist with TheCable, Abdulrasheed Hammad, blamed regulatory failure and corruption for the over 20 sachet water factories producing contaminated water for public consumption in Sokoto state.

    Hammad revealed that sachet water samples from the factories tested in laboratory-confirmed contamination, lamenting that there has been no action taken against the companies indicted by the investigation but rather attacks against him for exposing the illegality.

    “During the investigation, I was attacked and handcuffed at one of the factories I visited. The owners of the pure water factory were using DSS to threaten me, saying that I was going to be arrested if I failed to appear at their station, even after I had informed them I was no longer in Sokoto.

    “It is sad that instead of doing the proper thing by doing further investigation into what I had reported, they went ahead and started haunting journalists that exposed them. This is so sad,” Hammad stated

    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.

    The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

  • NAFDAC raises alarm over counterfeited medicine that puts children’s health at risk

    NAFDAC raises alarm over counterfeited medicine that puts children’s health at risk

    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has drawn the attention of the general public, especially healthcare providers, to a counterfeited medicine that puts children’s health at risk.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the medicine known as Mabthera is originally used for the treatment of children and adolescents, 6 months of age and older, with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

    However, it has been confirmed that the genuine product of Mabthera vials 500mg/50ml, batch number N7458B07 was distributed by Roche to Turkiye in February 2021 which expired in November 2022 and was never shipped into Nigeria.

    The Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH), Roche received a call from a patient to enquire about the genuineness of the product before purchasing it. The product pack was observed to have some discrepancies from the Mabthera distributed by Roche in Nigeria.

    Roche further investigated the complaint sample picture. The displayed complaint samples were compared to a batch corresponding with a retain sample in Turkish make-up presentation. It was then confirmed that the genuine product of Mabthera vials 500mg/50ml, batch number N7458B07 was distributed by Roche to Turkiye in February 2021 which expired in November 2022 and was never shipped into Nigeria.

    Significant differences were found regarding the displayed packaging material. The folding boxes and the Tamper Evident labels do not correspond to genuine Roche MabThera packaging material. The English text printed on the packaging material seems to be an automatic translation from Turkish to English (e.g. with the use of a translation tool).

    According to NAFDAC, however, chemical analysis was not possible, as the physical complaint sample was not provided for investigation, Roche only received pictures displaying parts of the Mabthera 500mg/50ml pack, with batch number N7458B07. No pictures of vials and leaflets were available.

    “The illegal promotion or sale of counterfeit medicines puts people’s health at risk as it does not ensure the safety, quality, and effectiveness of the products.

    “All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit product within the zones and states.

    “Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of counterfeit product.

    “All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked,” NAFDAC stated.

  • BREAKING: Spiritual items of my church not subject to NAFDAC’s regulations – Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin

    BREAKING: Spiritual items of my church not subject to NAFDAC’s regulations – Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin

    Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin and his church, Christ Mercy Land Ministry have responded to the trending news on the allegations of take miracle water and soap by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Prophet Jeremiah and Christ Mercy Land Ministry to have said the water, soap and other spiritual items of the church are not subject to the regulations and mandate of NAFDAC.

    In a statement released by one Sophia Lloyd, on behalf of Prophet Jeremiah and Christ Mercy Land Ministry, on Sunday, the church categorically stated that Section 39 and 38 of the Nigerian Constitution guaranteed “all Christians and our Church the Right to freedom of religion without interference”.

    Lloyd went on to deny in the statement that the church was using NAFDAC name to deceive unsuspecting public, stressing “all the church has done in the entirety of this issue is the church  right to expression of religion through the use of spiritual items”.

    Lloyd in the statement revealed that Christ Mercy Land Ministry  evidence on miracle claims are founded and that evidence of several miracles and healings that took place in the church premises and other venues abound, adding that same constitute demonstration of the church right to freedom of religion and biblical injunctions in the Holy Bible.

    The statement reads in full: The media department of Mercyland television on behalf of Christ Mercy land deliverance ministry received with shock, the wrong narrative and news story posted by punch newspaper online and attributed to the DG of NAFDAC by punch newspaper and punch online with the title: NAFDAC INVESTIGATING PASTOR JEREMIAH MIRACLE WATER, SOAP-DG.

    We wish to inform the members of the public that the above story by punch newspaper do not entirely represent the factual and real narratives of Christ mercy land deliverance Ministry and its investigation or dealings with NAFDAC in this regard. We wish to state as follows that:

    1.     That Christ Mercy land deliverance ministry is a law-abiding Christian Church and recognize the extant laws of the land and even the NAFDAC act in this regard.

    2.     As a Christian Association, we are guided by Section 39 and 38 of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, that guarantees all Christians and our Church the Right to freedom of religion without interference whatsoever in this regard. It is sequel to that, as a church we have been operating and guided by the tenets of our faith and biblical injunctions in the holy bible in this regard. We have been using certain spiritual items in expression of our religious beliefs.

    1.    In reaction to the punch online story, we wish to state that Christ Mercy land deliverance ministry was fully aware that the only pending petition against our Church is the one by Mr. Martins Vincent Otse (alais Verydarkblackman) who the Church has since sued before the FCT high court on sundry allegations and matters. However, the church was in receipt of a letter dated the 27th of August 2024 from NAFDAC office extending invitation to the Spiritual head of the church on the church miracle and healing spiritual item by the NAFDAC Asaba office with the full designation as referenced on this letter. it quite unfortunate that as a law-abiding organization, we did officially as an organization wrote to NAFDAC headquarter office, Abuja on the short less than 12 hours’ time frame given to us to appear and by an official letter communicated our position in this matter to NAFDAC and then also sent another subsequent letter to NAFDAC. We also bring to fore and knowledge of NAFDAC that the supposed nominal complainant to NAFDAC Asaba office actually forge the Church receipts in other to Clote himself with the right to bring a complaint before the NAFDAC office in this regard.

    2. We also wish to state that presently there is an ongoing police investigation of certain receipts that has indicted the nominal complainants to NAFDAC office, which same receipts is presumed to have been have forged and same used falsely in procuring the now investigated spiritual items by NAFDAC office.

    3.    Moreso it should be noted that the alleged spiritual items sales receipts of the nominal complainants to NAFDAC in which he purportedly alleged to have used in evidencing a case in NAFDAC office, a look at same reveal that the position of the spiritual items receipt number are the same but different in other particulars with that normally issued by the church accounting office in the sense that  vizaviz :

    a.    That the nominal complainant’s receipts are different from the position in the actual receipt booklet and receipts in the custody of the church, the dates on the receipt are clearly and obviously altered different from church client official receipts.

    4.   All these issues and narratives as stated above, the church wrote to the NAFDAC office, and we clearly wish to state that NAFDAC till today never wrote to the church or gave feedback on these issues to the church or our legal Representative.

    5.   The punch newspaper online in the course of their story also stated and alleged that NAFDAC wishes to alert the general public on the activities of the church and the church uses NAFDAC name to deceive unsuspecting public, we wish to state that at no point our Church has ever deceived or dishonestly deceive any members of the general public, all the church has done in the entirety of this issue is the church  right to expression of religion through the use of spiritual items, the church has never even produce or sell to members of the public, consumable items in this regard.

    6.   We also wish to state that Senior Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin of Christ Mercy Land Ministry has never used NAFDAC name as an agency to deceive innocent members of the public, such claims and story being peddled by punch newspaper is purely unfounded in facts and narratives.

    7. Also Contrary to punch newspaper online news making the rounds, we also wish to state that the head of administration of Christ mercyland deliverance Ministry through the head of administration in Elder oguluoa fufeyin, a contractor to the church in conjunction with globod table water,our legal representatives and others actually honoured the invitation of nafdac on Thursday 2nd September 2024 in this regard at there Asaba headquater office. Where the Church representatives statement were taken under caution and the church representatives cooperated with the officers and subordinates of DEPUTY DIRECTOR IN CHARGE  INVESTIGATION &ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE/FEDERAL TASKFORCE ON COUNTERFEIT AND FAKE DRUGS AND UNWHOLESOME PROCESSED FOOD(DELTA STATE NAFDAC) located in PLOT 114 AIRPORT ROAD, OPPOSITE NUT ESTATE ,ASABA,DELTA STATE, who are investigating this matter on behalf of NAFDAC and the church representatives were then released and asked to report on 10th September 2024, for further investigation in this matter, we are however surprised that punch newspaper and online news could report in the purported news that  the church or its representative are not cooperating with NAFDAC for an extensive investigation on this matter in this regard as evidenced in there false newspaper online report.

    8.   We don’t intend to join issues with governmental agency like NAFDAC in this regard, as investigation are still ongoing in this matter, but we urge NAFDAC and punch newspaper and mobile online from making statements to show they are on vindictive mission, prosecution of the Church and its representative in this regard.

    9.   We are by this press release also stating that we are entirely disappointed in punch newspaper and online platform as against the ethics of journalism without hearing the Church side of the story, they have indeed gone to the general public with wrong narrative with the church issues with NAFDAC in this regard. At the right time, we shall respond to them legally in this regard.

    10.       We are also urging members of the public to disregard this story by punch as same story by punch newspaper is simply unfounded and investigation by NAFDAC on Church activities is still ongoing on this matter in this regard.

    11.       We also wish to state that Church several issues with NAFDAC are matters of privileges and we don’t intend to undermine the investigation in this case, by joining issues with punch newspaper on different and sundry allegations raised in their story. We also wish to state that our Church evidence on miracle claims are founded and same abound of several miracles and healings that took place in the church premises and other venues, as same constitute demonstration of the church right to freedom of religion and biblical injunctions in the holy bible.

    12. We also wish to state that there are other spiritual items being given to the Church members, partners, friends ,visitors of the church in line with constitutional right to freedom of Religion which are not subject to nafdac regulation and mandate in this regard in line with the nafdac act. So hence the publication by punch newspaper and online news that the public is also being advised to stop patronizing and using any of the church miracle products is simply bad journalism, vendetta and prosecution by punch newspaper online with same attributed to NAFDAC in all regard.

    13.       Finally, as a Church, we stand committed to true Christianity and the guiding principles of our Right to freedom of religion and worship. We shall not be deterred by the latest onslaught by anyone to stop and interfere with our right to worship our lord Jesus Christ in any manner. We urge the members of the public to disregard this punch newspaper and online story on our church in this regard, as we shall also liaise and officially communicate with NAFDAC on all surrounding issues by punch newspaper on this unfounded story, with a view to ascertaining and investigating same. Thank you all and may the good lord bless you.

  • Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin’s miracle water, soap are fake; pool of Bethsaida artificial – NAFDAC

    Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin’s miracle water, soap are fake; pool of Bethsaida artificial – NAFDAC

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC has alerted Nigerians on the activities of Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin for using the agency’s name to deceive the unsuspecting public in selling ‘miracle water and miracle soap’.

    NAFDAC, in a statement on Sunday signed by its Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, noted that none of the products advertised and sold are registered with the agency.

    It said, “NAFDAC wishes to alert the public on the activities of a faith-based organization – Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries – that uses NAFDAC name to deceive the unsuspecting public.

    “Recently, NAFDAC has been inundated with petitions from concerned citizens about Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin of Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, Km 5 Effurun, Sapele Road, Delta State, on a Miracle Water and Miracle Soap being advertised with healing and miracle claims and sold to unsuspecting members of the public by the Spiritual Ministry. The Minister showcased the use of Miracle Water and Miracle Soap on social media to heal barrenness. He claimed that the women would carry twins if they used the soap. He openly told his congregation that the Soap is NAFDAC registered. Thus, the public began to visit the office to confirm the claims.

    “The petitioners also submitted the following products from the Spiritual Ministry to NAFDAC to verify the bogus claims. The products are Miracle & Healing Water, River Jordan Water, the Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida, A New Beginning Mount Camel Miracle Water, Water of Life, Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida (1L), A New Beginning Pool of Bethsaida Water, and Father Smelled Perfume.”

    The agency stated that upon receipt of the petitions, it contacted the Delta State Coordinator, through the Director Post Marketing Surveillance of the agency, to ascertain the existence or records of any transaction with the Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries and the products in Delta State Office.

    “The Coordinator was also directed to visit the Ministry to establish the veracity of the claims in the petitions and take necessary regulatory action on the production facility in the Ministry where the Miracle water and other products are produced. The State Coordinator covertly bought the Miracle Water (25cl) for 3000 naira from the Ministries and took the pictures.

    “On Wednesday, August 14th 2024, the State Coordinator Delta State visited the Mercy Land Ministry and met the Head of Service – Mr. Ogunleye Fufeyin and the Chief Security Officer. The officials denied producing Miracle and Healing Water or Soap even with the evidence of the receipt of purchase. He claimed that only the Logo and address on the label were theirs but not the product. The HOS added that they only have a pool of Bethsaida water, which is spiritual and artificial. The HOS requested time to meet with other staff and returned. He returned after 30 minutes and refused to cooperate, asking them to see the CSO.

    “On August 27th 2024, a team of Investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC and Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods visited the Ministry to commence investigation on the place of purchase or the manufacturing site for possible sample collection, for laboratory analysis, but the officials did not cooperate with the team. Letters of invitation were issued to the officials to report on August 28th, but it was not honoured. The company instead submitted a Legal document at NAFDAC Headquarters Abuja on August 28th, 2024 and asked to come back on September 3rd, 2024, to organise their document before coming. The Agency then gave the Prophet till the 29th to report to the investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC Office Asaba for further necessary investigation.

    “Investigation and Enforcement Asaba waited for the Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries officials based on their earlier request to report for commencement of the investigation, but they still refused to show up. On September 3rd, 2024, they forwarded some documents instead of asking for more time to report,” it explained.

    It added that in a document made available to the NAFDAC Office on the evening of September 3rd, the faith organisation claimed to have entered into a production contract agreement with Globod Table Water Km 4, DSC Expressway, Otokutu, Delta State, without the knowledge of NAFDAC State Office in Delta State.

    The agency stated that the act is illegal according to the extant rules and regulations on commercial production.

    “In continuation of our investigation, NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement has sealed the Globod Table Water factory to aid and abet the production, sale, and advertisement of unregistered and unwholesome Miracle Water under the pretext of Fake NAFDAC Registration Number.

    “At this point, it is very clear that Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, KM 5, is not ready to present itself for investigation of production and advertisement of suspected falsified, unwholesome, and unregistered miracle products.

    “NAFDAC wishes to inform the public that none of these products being advertised and sold are registered with NAFDAC. The public is also being advised to stop patronizing any of these Miracle products. NAFDAC is scientific organization that is guided by verifiable scientific facts before registering any product.

    “In the meantime, we will continue with our investigation into the activities of this faith organization with regard to products within our mandates that have been reported to be manufactured and sold by them. I want to use this opportunity to warn faith organizations against illegal production of regulated products without requisite regulatory requirements,” it added.

    Adeyeye, however, assured Nigerians of the agency’s resolve to continue safeguarding their health.

  • NAFDAC speaks on recent call for Nigerians to avoid eating bread

    NAFDAC speaks on recent call for Nigerians to avoid eating bread

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has distanced itself from recent claims urging Nigerians to avoid eating bread due to safety concerns.

    The agency addressed the issue following a statement made by Roseline Ajayi, NAFDAC’s South-West Coordinator, which was reportedly misinterpreted in the media.

    Ajayi had initially commented on the use of saccharine in bread production, noting that some producers were resorting to the substance due to the high cost of sugar.

    “We are not unmindful of the prevailing economic challenges, but the agency will not compromise its standards. It is pertinent to note that the quality and safety of regulated products cannot be compromised,” Ajayi stated.

    However, after Ajayi’s remarks, a reporter released a video suggesting that Nigerians should completely avoid consuming bread, a claim that quickly gained traction online.

    In response, NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, issued a statement on Tuesday clarifying the agency’s position.

    “At no time during that engagement with stakeholders did NAFDAC suggest that Nigerians should avoid bread baked and sold in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.

    She emphasized that the content of the video does not accurately reflect the agency’s observations.

    “NAFDAC dissociates herself from the comment of the reporter in the circulating video about avoiding bread in Nigeria. This is the personal statement of the reporter who does not speak for the Agency. NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the Agency remains fully alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public,” Adeyeye added.

    The agency also cautioned bakers against using unapproved food additives, specifically highlighting the illegality of using saccharine in bread production.

    “Any baker found to be using unapproved food additives, in this case, saccharine, is appropriately sanctioned in line with the extant regulatory provisions,” the statement noted.

    NAFDAC reiterated that the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) and the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) do not permit the use of saccharine in bread.

     

  • NAFDAC sends strong warning to dealers in substandard medicine

    NAFDAC sends strong warning to dealers in substandard medicine

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has warned water producers, patent medicine dealers and other manufacturers of regulated products against selling fake and substandard products.

    Mrs Roseline Ajayi, NAFDAC Southwest Coordinator, gave the warning during a stakeholders engagement meeting organised by the agency, on Friday, in Ibadan.

    Ajayi said that the report gathered by the agency during its recent operation revealed that some patent medicine dealers were selling restricted drugs and unregistered products.

    She said some manufacturers also failed to comply with the required packaging and storage standards.

    “Recently, we observed that bread sold in the markets is failing laboratory tests because producers are using saccharine due to the high cost of sugar.

    “They are introducing ingredients that are not good for the health of the consumers.

    “We are not unmindful of the prevailing economic challenges, but the agency will not compromise its standards.

    “It is pertinent to note that the quality and safety of regulated products cannot be compromised,” she said.

    Ajayi, however, said that the engagement meeting was to solicit more collaboration and support from the relevant stakeholders for the agency to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding the health of the citizens.

    “Within the last year, several regulatory decisions have been made.

    “Some have been gazetted; these are meant to strengthen and sanitise the practices in the regulatory environment.

    “All stakeholders must embrace the culture and requirements for good practices related to each sector to guarantee quality, safety and wholesomeness of regulated products available to the citizens,” she said.

    Also speaking, Mr Moses Adewole, the Oyo State Director of Pharmaceutical Services, urged medicine sellers to restrict themselves to the scope of their expertise.

    Adewole also warned the participants to avoid selling expired drugs, adding that selling such was equivalent to giving out poison to the citizens.

    Commenting, Mr Oladimeji Shittu, Oyo State Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPMED), urged NAFDAC to make the stakeholder’s engagement a routine programme for a prompt update of development.

    Participants were drawn from master bakers, chemical dealers, agro-input dealers, importers, supermarket operators, manufacturers and distributors of regulated products, among others.

  • NAFDAC raids Imo market

    NAFDAC raids Imo market

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday confiscated alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and pet bottles below 200ml worth millions of naira in Imo.

    Some of the alcoholic beverages confiscated by the agency include: Action bitters, ballamour bitters and Chelsea London dry gin.

    Some others are Squad 5 dark rum, Yagor milk cream liquor, Captain Jack, Banjinotu Alcoholic bitters, Tombo bitters, Big Ben, Rocket ginger, Yaahu blended gin and Eagle Aromatic Schnapps.

    The agency’s Coordinator in the state, Mrs Mercy Ndukwe, led the enforcement team to the popular Rotobi Market in Owerri, the Imo state capital.

    Ndukwe told NAN after the raid that the Federal Government had issued a directive banning the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles below 200ml.

    She added that “in 2018, the agency, in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health met with the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) and Consumer Protection Council (CPC), among other stakeholders.

    “During the meeting, an agreement was reached that companies should start packaging above 200ml.

    “The committee and the agency agreed to a moratorium of five years to phase out such packaged drinks by Jan. 31, 2024.

    “They also agreed to reduce production by 50 per cent by 2022.”

    Ndukwe added that NAFDAC had equally stopped the issuance of market authourisation to producers of alcoholic beverages below 200ml, while enforcement commenced on Feb. 1, 2024.

    However, she said, most producers continued producing with expired licences or illegally.

    She explained that “here in Imo, we gave time to see if they would reduce supply and sale of the particular sized products, but instead of reducing, it is increasing, which means the distillers and blenders are still producing and selling.

    “We cannot watch things go wrong, especially when the deadline has elapsed. This is a policy of the Federal Government and it must be enforced.”

    She said an examination of the alcoholic beverages confiscated showed some with NAFDAC registration numbers, but failed date marking like the production and expiry dates.

    “This is an indication that the producers are conscious of what they are doing, it is even a violation on its own,” she stressed.

    She said the agency had carried out regular sensitisation to educate the people, especially traders, on the ban and dangers of alcoholic beverages below 200ml, as well as plan to carry out enforcement.

    The agency had also carried out enforcement on water producers who sell sachet and bottled water in open space at the Spibat roundabout in Owerri without regard to stipulated guidelines.

    The coordinator said “we gave conditions before we register them, that water must be stored in a cool, dry and wooden platforms and not on bare floor, exposed to sunlight from morning till night.

    “You don’t store water anyhow because the packaging materials are prone to certain reactions from sunlight.

    “You may produce clean water but in the process of storage and distribution, it becomes contaminated.

    “People don’t bother to wash the sachets before drinking water, so anything on the surface of the sachet can be consumed as well.”

    Ndukwe advised them to erect makeshift shades and use wooden platforms, if they must sell outside their factories.

    “You hear the story of cholera everywhere, we don’t want residents to fall victims.

    “The enforcement is not to witch-hunt any individual or company, but to safeguard the health of the nation,” she maintained.

  • NAFDAC shuts 4 substandard bakeries in Rivers

    NAFDAC shuts 4 substandard bakeries in Rivers

    The National Agency for Food Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday shut four unregistered bakeries in Port Harcourt metropolis.

    The NAFDAC Director, South-South Zone,  Chukwuma Oligbu, said that the bakeries were operating without registration licences and with very poor Good Hygienic Practice (GHP).

    Oligbu said that the agency shut the facilities to stamp out the prevalence of quack and substandard bakeries in Rivers.

    “Pans with dough were being kept on the floor.

    “The make shift buildings were with open and uncovered windows, bakery workers were not well kitted with PPEs, lister generator sets were sited inside the production rooms and there were no factory flow.

    “The bakeries shut down include He Reigns Bakery – Okabie Street, off Bakery Road, Rumuigbo; Dvine Freedom Dread, No 3, Omasi Str., Rumuomasi Street; De Heroes Bakery, Wonda Street, Psychiatric Road and The Lord’s Abundant Bakery 5, Elder Ezebunwo Street off Obi Wali Road, Rumuigbo, Port Harcout,” he said.

    Oligbu said that the four bakeries visited were subsequently shut and the owners directed to report at the NAFDAC zonal office for questioning while investigations continue.

    He explained that samples of the produced bread were taken for laboratory analysis.

    Oligbu warned that defaulters of NAFDAC regulations risked prosecution and possible jail term when convicted.

    He implored producers of NAFDAC regulated products to seek guidance by visiting the agency’s office for advice and supervisions in setting up their facilities or businesses.

    Oligbu stated that the agency would ensure that defaulters of NAFDAC regulated products and illicit producers who did not abide by the agency’s standards in Rivers and the entire South-South Zone would be uncomfortable and brought to book.

  • Refrigerating cooked food for more than three days is injurious to health – NAFDAC warns

    Refrigerating cooked food for more than three days is injurious to health – NAFDAC warns

    Prof Mojisola the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Administration and Control, NAFDAC,  has warned Nigerians against keeping cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days.

    Her advice was made known in a statement signed by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, on Tuesday.

    According to the agency, cooked food stored in the refrigerator for days will be exposed to contamination by disease-causing pathogens, leading to foodborne diseases that can lead to death.

     

    Speaking at the 2024 World Food Safety Day with the theme, ‘Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected’, the DG appealed to stakeholders in the food supply chain to take conscious efforts to create a food safety culture in their operations to minimize food hazards and risks that could compromise food safety.

    She noted that food safety is not only important for public health but also for economic development, adding that everyone from producers to consumers must play their part to ensure food safety.

    “Let us all stay true to the statements ‘food safety is everyone’s business’ and ‘food safety is a shared responsibility’ as we mark this year’s World Food Safety Day.

    “Working together, we will continue to strengthen our food safety system, ensuring its resilience, robustness and preparedness for the unexpected,” she said.

    According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 600 million – almost one in 10 people in the world – fall ill after eating contaminated food, and 420,000 die every year, resulting in the loss of 33 million healthy life years.