BY Biola Lawal
Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS): The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that the indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour recalled by the French Authority (Rappel Conso of France) did not originate from Nigeria and was never registered by the Agency
NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who gave the clarification in a press release on Sunday disclosed that the product was recalled due to the presence of undeclared allergens.
The specific allergens, Prof Adeyeye said, were milk and eggs, ”which may pose significant health risks to consumers with allergies or intolerances.”
The NAFDAC Boss disclosed that since the Agency became aware of the recall of unwholesome indomie, it undertaken some proactive measures, which included increased vigilance actions to guard against the possible entry of the recalled product into Nigeria.
Prof. Adeyeye said that, as a responsive regulator, ”surveillance has been directed across all zones and states, adding that all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been mandated to mop up the product if found within their jurisdictions.
”The public is hereby informed that the Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour in question is not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for sale in Nigeria,” Prof. Adeyeye stated.
Prof. Adeyeye declared further;
”It is important to note that noodles are listed on the Import Prohibition List of the Federal Government of Nigeria, meaning their importation into the country is not allowed.
” This significantly reduces the likelihood of the affected product entering the Nigerian market.
”Further, the Indomie instant noodles products (and other brands of noodles) registered by NAFDAC for sale in the Nigerian market are manufactured locally in Nigeria and are only granted NAFDAC registration status following a strict regulatory regime covering all aspects of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
”The Ports Inspection Directorate (PID) is also on heightened alert to guard against the importation of the implicated product into Nigeria,”
She strongly advised onsumers ”to exercise caution, discard the recalled product if found, and report any suspicion of its sale or distribution to the nearest NAFDAC office or call 0800-162-3322.”
Prof. Adeyeye also urged the public to ensure that ”Adverse events or side effects related to consumption should be reported via NAFDAC’s E-reporting platforms available on www.nafdac.gov.ng.
”NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the Agency is proactive and remains alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public, including Nigerians who may travel abroad or purchase products online.NAFDAC,” She concluded.
