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Tag: NAFDAC

  • Reps kick as NAFDAC ignores sachet alcohol resolution

    Reps kick as NAFDAC ignores sachet alcohol resolution

    The House of Representatives Committee on National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has frowned at failure of NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to implement its resolution on sachet alcohol.

    The House said the action of NAFDAC management was disrespect to the Parliament.

    The Vice-Chairman of the committee, Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo, said at a news conference on Friday in Abuja that the agency was duly served with the resolution.

    He said to the greatest surprise of the committee, no action had been taken to implement the resolution.

    “The agency had failed to comply with the directives, two months after it was passed.

    “You need not be told that the parliament is the centre piece of our democracy.

    “If the Nigerian parliament that is the fulcrum and giant of African democracy is abused in this manner, the future of not only Nigeria, African democracy is doomed,” Okonkwo said.

    He said the committee regretted the sudden deteriorating mutual relationship between the agency and the parliament, which according to him is counter-productive to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    “We view the Director-General’s action as a direct affront on the rule of law and the people’s parliament.

    “If this display of impunity is allowed to go through, it will set a dangerous precedent for future abuse and disregard for legislative directives,’’ he said.

    The committee chairman also claimed that the NAFDAC boss’s action clearly suggested insensitivity to the plights of Nigerians.

    The House had on March 21 adopted a motion sequel to the consideration of the committee on NAFDAC to suspend the ban imposed by the agency on sachet alcohol and less than 200ml pet bottle.

    The House directed that the ban be lifted because of the wrong timing and unstable state of the economy where unemployment rate is staggering and the inflation rate is soaring.

    Okonkwo said the action was also informed by the paucity of FOREX at the time.

  • Vendors selling fake cosmetics in Abuja arrested

    Vendors selling fake cosmetics in Abuja arrested

    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday in Abuja arrested five persons for selling counterfeit cosmetics.

    The arrest was made at the Garki and Wuse axis, during an enforcement to curb substandard goods.

    Speaking with newsmen after the enforcement,  Mr Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, NAFDAC Head of Investigation and Enforcement, Federal Taskforce, said that the arrested persons would be investigated.

    Godiya said that NAFDAC would work to ensure that fake cosmetics and other counterfeit product were completely wipe out of the country.

    He said that the agency had been investigate some of these counterfeit cosmetics, following an intelligence reports, adding that some of these products were illegally imported into the country, in spite security at the border.

    “NAFDAC is present in all the ports of entry of the country, but with the nature of our borders, these smugglers will always find a way to beat the system that government had put in place.

    “That is why if they escape from the port or borders, we go to the market and to all the places, gather intelligence report, go after them and confiscate these product for possible prosecution,” Godiya said.

    He said that the market value of the seized cosmetics is N35 million, adding that NAFDAC would continue investigation into the issue, to unravel the level of involvement of the suspects.

    Godiya said that after investigation, the management of the agency would take its regulatory action, which probably may be prosecution of those suspects for the crime committed.

    He called on Nigerians to collaborate with NAFDAC to fight counterfeit products in the country.

  • NAFDAC dismantles illegal alcohol factory in Badagry

    NAFDAC dismantles illegal alcohol factory in Badagry

    In a bid to rid the country of fake and substandard products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has dismantled an illegal alcohol factory in Badagry.

    The agency, in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, by Mr Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC Resident Media Consultant, said its enforcement team was aided by the Nigerian Army 15 Field Engineering Regiment in Badagry.

    Akintola alleged that the factory belonged to one Mr Chinedu Okafor, a suspected illegal drinks manufacturer, operating from his residence at No. O24, MTN Road, Badagry.

    “Okafor’s suspicious activities caught the attention of the Nigerian Army, leading to his arrest and subsequent handover to NAFDAC officers at the Ports Inspection Directorate, Seme Border.

    “Upon inspection, officers evacuated all equipment and materials used in the production of illicit drinks, and effectively shut down the illegal factory.

    “Investigations revealed that Okafor’s longstanding involvement in criminal activities has compromised regulated alcohol drinks in the area,” he said,

    He also said that the suspect would be prosecuted.

    Akintola noted that NAFDAC emphasised the need for public vigilance, while urging Nigerians to report suspicious activities to safeguard public health.

    He said the agency warned Nigerians on the consumption of adulterated alcohol, adding that it could lead to kidney and liver failure or even death.

    Akintola called on Nigerians to always consider the “4 Ps” (Place, Price, Packaging, Product) before buying any alcoholic product.

    “The World Health Organisation (WHO), in their Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, estimated that more than three million people died all over the world as a result of alcohol poisoning.

    “The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) says that one of every 10 cancer cases in Nigeria can be traced to alcohol and 4.7 percent of overall cancer cases in Nigeria in 2019 can be attributed to consumption of adulterated alcohol.

    “Nigerians must remain vigilant and scrutinize branded drinks to distinguish them from counterfeits before consuming them,” he said.

    The media consultant assured that NAFDAC would continue to ensure that the level of counterfeit products nationwide was brought to the barest minimum, so that people would consume only healthy and safe products.

    He enjoined the public to report any suspicious activity of illegal producers of adulterated products or similar activities to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.

  • Nido infant milk formula not registered – NAFDAC

    Nido infant milk formula not registered – NAFDAC

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on Sunday declared that the Nido infant milk formula, alleged to contain sugar or honey, was not registered and sold in Nigeria.

    The Director-General (D-G) of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known in a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Adeyeye said the attention of NAFDAC’s Management was drawn to an online publication alleging that one of the worlds largest consumer goods company added sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases

    It stated that the online publication of April 17, 2024 was being circulated widely to the general public.

    Adeyeye said the report further stated that samples of baby food products sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America were tested and results revealed that sugar and honey were added in form of sucrose in samples of Nido and Cerelac.

    “The Management of NAFDAC wishes to use this medium to reassure the public that the Agency exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria.

    “This is in line with relevant Codex Alimentarius international food standards (Codex) and more specifically, Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).

    “This is applicable to all categories of infant and young children foods distributed by manufacturers, importers, and marketers of infant and young children foods operating within Nigeria.

    “Regarding the mention of Nido follow-up milk formula in the publication, NAFDAC wishes to state that the product is not registered in Nigeria, is not known to the Agency and is not in circulation in Nigeria,” she stated.

    According to Adeyeye, the range of Nestle Cerelac infant cereals distributed in Nigeria are duly registered with NAFDAC in line with the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Foods for Infants and Young Children.

    “Processed Cereal Based foods (NIS 256:2010) and the Codex Standard for Processed Cereal-based Foods for Infants and Young Children (CXS 74-1981 was adopted in 1981, revised in 2006, amended in 2017, 2019, and 2023), as well as the applicable NAFDAC regulations for compliance with safety, quality, and labelling requirements.

    “Adequate, optimal nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential.

    “The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) implements the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, developing international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice with the mandate to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair international food trade.

    “Nigeria (NAFDAC) is an active participant at these international food standards setting arena to contribute Nigerians positions during food standards development,” it said.

    According to the Statement, the Agency recently, on March 22, 2024, held a stakeholders engagement with members of the Association of Infant Food Manufacturers and Marketers in Nigeria (AIFMN), anchored by the Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN) Directorate to further drive home the importance and special place of infant and young child nutrition.

    Adeyeye reassured the public that the Agency was fully alive to her responsibilities of assuring the safety, wholesomeness and quality of infant and young children foods offered for sale in Nigeria in compliance with the relevant standards and regulations.

  • NAFDAC seals bakeries, medicine stores, water factories in Plateau

    NAFDAC seals bakeries, medicine stores, water factories in Plateau

    The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC), has sealed many unregistered bakeries for operating without the agency’s approval in Plateau.

    In a statement on Friday, the Director North Central Zone, Mr Shaba Mohammed, also said that various water-packaging companies were sealed for producing under poor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

    Mohammed, further said that many patent medicine stores were also sealed for selling expired and unregistered medical products..

    He said that the raids were carried out during NAFDAC’s  routine inspection and surveillance,  conducted in Dengi (Kanam), Wase, Yelwa Shendam, Shendam, Namu (Qua’anpan) local government areas (LGAs), by Regulatory Officers from North Central Zonal Office, in Jos.

    The Director, explained that the Agency’s mission was to protect and promote the public’s health by instituting an effective and efficient regulatory system that would ensure only the right quality food, drugs and other regulated products, were manufactured, exported, imported, advertised, distributed, sold and used.

    He further stated that the organisation would not fold its hands and allow the manufacturing of unauthorised and unregulated products to be sold to Nigerians for consumption.

    Mohammed, said the agency would ensure that Nigerians consumed only products that had been certified by competent and world class ISO certified laboratories, and were duly registered.

    He enjoined the public to be vigilant and patronise only NAFDAC registered products.

    The director, encouraged the public to also report violations, such as the sale of expired, damaged or adulterated products to the nearest NAFDAC Office.

    He cautioned persons involved in the nefarious act of manufacturing and selling of unwholesome products to desist from such acts, as appropriate sanctions would be applied to would be offenders.

    Mohammed advised intending businesses to visit the nearest NAFDAC office for guidance on how to register their products in line with NAFDAC approved guidelines.

    He said that information on NAFDAC’s activities could also be obtained on the agency’s website;  www.nafdac.gov.ng.

  • Why NAFDAC banned Dex Luxury bar soap in Nigeria

    Why NAFDAC banned Dex Luxury bar soap in Nigeria

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control, (NAFDAC) has announced a ban on the sale of Dex Luxury bar soap in Nigeria.

    The agency announced the ban on the product on Thursday via a post on its platform X handle.

    According to NAFDAC, the ban was due to Butyphenyl Methylpropional, BMHCA, content in the product.

    According to the post, the European Union, EU, banned the product due to the risk of harming the reproductive system of users, causing harm to the health of the unborn child, and cause skin sensitization.

    “Although this product is not on the NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned product”, the agency added.

  • NAFDAC bans sale of Dex Luxury bar soap in Nigeria

    NAFDAC bans sale of Dex Luxury bar soap in Nigeria

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control, (NAFDAC) has placed a ban on the sale of Dex Luxury bar soap in Nigeria.

    The agency explained that the ban was due to Butyphenyl Methylpropional, BMHCA, content in the product.

    This was contained in a post on the Agency’s X handle on Thursday.

    According to the post, the European Union, EU, banned the product due to the risk of harming the reproductive system of users, causing harm to the health of the unborn child, and cause skin sensitization.

    “Although this product is not on the NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned product”, the agency added.

     

  • Hardship: Church opens bakery to support members with ‘daily bread’

    Hardship: Church opens bakery to support members with ‘daily bread’

    The Shepherd House Assembly International has launched its Shepherd’s Sure Bread to assist the indigents in the Church and other communities.

    The facility was launched at the Church premises in Abuja on Sunday.

    Speaking at the event, the Project Director, Rev. Jackie Talena, said that the aim was to help the church generate resources to provide welfare for its members and other less privileged people in the society.

    The director said that the project was part of the church’s vision of `reaching the unreached in the society’ and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    “Though this is a business venture, the proceeds of the bread will be used to actualise the vision of the ministry.

    “This is through welfare and support for the less privileged and by generating resources to organise our outreaches, crusades and programmes in the church,” she said.

    Talena, who is also the wife of the senior pastor of the church, said that the business would be used as a platform to train members in the skill of baking and also in building their business skills.

    She added that the skills would also empower them to be financially stable, especially with the rising cost of living in the country.

    She thanked Rev Joshua Talena, the Senior Pastor of the church, for the quality investment and other sacrifices to ensure the success of establishing the bakery.

    Talena urged the church members and other residents of Abuja to patronise the bread.

    On her part, the Coordinator for the bakery, Mrs Akon Etuk, said that it successfully passed through all the due process and requirements of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    “A certificate of listing has been granted in that regard. We are positioned to ensure the standard, the processes, hygiene and quality of this brand is maintained at all times.

    “We will always consider our consumers first in our practices and also offer the best prices possible,” she said.

    She urged the government to assist small-scale businesses such as the church’s bread bakery to enable them survive.

    “The brand we are introducing to Nigerians today is a wholesome pack of goodness, health and vitality,” she said.

  • Suspend ban on alcoholic drinks in sachets, pet bottles – Reps tells NAFDAC

    Suspend ban on alcoholic drinks in sachets, pet bottles – Reps tells NAFDAC

    The House of Representatives Committee on National Agency on Food, Drugs Administration, and Control (NAFDAC),  has ordered  suspension of  ban on sale of spirits and alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles.

    The suspension is pending the outcome of its investigation on the matter.
    Rep. Regina Akume, Chairman, House Committee on NAFDAC  said this in Abuja after a public hearing on  ban of the product on Friday.
    She said there were proper steps to take before the ban, adding that there was need to put Access Control Procedures in place.
    This,  she said,  was to prevent children and youths from consuming the alcoholic contents of the sachet and pet bottles.
    She said the committee was entrusted with the essential responsibility and effectiveness of NAFDAC for the creation of employment and enhancing economic growth.

    She promised to reach a level playing ground between NAFDAC and manufacturers that would not be detrimental to children or public safety.
    Speaking earlier, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General, NAFDAC, said the ban was imposed to protect the health and welfare of children, youths, and other vulnerable groups.

    “We tried to protect the market, and that was why we agreed to a five-year moratorium for the manufacturers to phase out alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles in December 2018.

    According to her, it is a ministerial directive and not unilaterally made by NAFDAC, and the expiration of that five-year period has come.

    Adeyeye said that, in spite of the agreement on the ban on alcohol in sachet  and pet bottles, it was shocking to NAFDAC that the campaign from manufacturers was mounting.

    She said that a lot of issues could have been solved before now, adding that the agency was not against the production of alcohol drinks but alcohol in sachets and pet bottles, to wade off children from unnecessary access.

    “The World Health Organisation  had a resolution in 2010,  in which Nigeria was a co-signer,  that each country will have alcohol that is less reachable and less accessible to the youth, and nothing has been done about that until now.
    “It is very unfortunate we are where we are now because the children who are used to taking alcohol will also become vulnerable to drug abuse.”

    Adeyeye said that as a result of the alcohol in sachets, about “30 per cent of our children now take alcohol casually.”

    She, however, said  the market that was going to be lost, as expressed by the manufacturer, would be about 30 per cent because such could be easily concealed in the pocket.

    Mr Segun Ajayi kadilimni, Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN),  however, said there was no major basic disagreement between it and  NAFDAC.
    He added that MAN remained  committed to protecting the youth and children from accessing alcohol.

    Kadilimni said  the issue remained how to protect the under aged saying:  “we have realised that there is a process to get there but banning the product will be counterproductive.”

    According to him, this is because you are going to open the market to producers of illicit drugs, and these are people you cannot control.

    “I believe if we work together, we will be able to eradicate underage access. These sachets are not produced for children but for adults, and they have been warned not to consume them.”

  • Protesters storm NAFDAC office over ban on production of alcohol in sachets

    Protesters storm NAFDAC office over ban on production of alcohol in sachets

    Employees of Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), on Tuesday, staged a protest at the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in the Isolo area of the state.

    The members of the association were seen with placards with many inscriptions such as ‘Let poor Nigerians breathe’, ‘Let beverage workers breathe’, amongst others.

    On February 1, NAFDAC started the enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets, glass bottles of 200ml and below.

    NAFDAC boss Mojisola Adeyeye had said no such beverages were registered with the NAFDAC.

    On February 13, 2024, members of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association of Nigeria gave NAFDAC 14 days to reverse its ban on sachet alcohol.

    The association, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), issued the threat during a protest at the NAFDAC headquarters in Abuja.

    Members of the association threatened to increase protests across the Agency’s offices nationwide if nothing is done about it.