Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • NAFDAC cautions consumers on Slimming product

     

    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has implored consumers to stop using Miss Slim dietary supplement products.
    The agency gave the caution in a public alert with number 032/2021, issued by the Director General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye in Abuja on Tuesday.
    It noted that the agency had been informed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that “Palisades Park, NJ, HIS is voluntarily recalling all lots and all presentations of the products.
    “Palisades Park HIS issued this voluntary recall of Miss Slim of both 10 count and 30 count capsules due to the presence of undeclared Sibutramine in the product.
    “The presence of Sibutramine in Miss Slim renders it an unapproved drug for which safety and efficacy has not been established and therefore subject to a recall.

    “Products containing Sibutramine pose a threat to consumers because it is known to substantially increase blood pressure.

    “Sibutramine may also present significant risk for patients with history of Coronary Artery Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Arrhythmia or Stroke.

    “The product is sold online at missslimusa.com,” the alert disclosed.

    NAFDAC, therefore, implored consumers to stop the purchase and use of Miss Slim, adding that “members of the public in possession of the product are to handover to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

    The agency also called on patients to contact their physicians or healthcare providers if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using the product.

    It encouraged healthcare professionals, consumers and patients to report any adverse events related to the use of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office.

    It urged the public to report any adverse effect to NAFDAC PRASCOR (20543 TOLLS FREE from all networks) or via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
    The public are also advised to make their report through E-reporting platforms available on  NAFDAC website or via the Med- safety application available for download on android and IOS stores. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews
  • NAFDAC warns against consumption of Some U.S. infant formulas

    NAFDAC warns against consumption of Some U.S. infant formulas

    By Aderogba George

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians to stop consuming and distributing infant formulas manufactured by Able Groupe, a U.S. based company.

    The infant formulas from the company were said to have insufficient iron levels and did not meet up with other requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA).

    A statement issued by the NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, disclosed that the agency had received information from the US-FDA on the recall of certain infant Formulas.

    She said that the recalled products were sold under the brand names HiPP, Holle, Bioland and Kendamil, adding that they were recalled because the required pre-market notifications for these new infant formulas had not been submitted to the FDA.

    Adeyeye identified the Able Groupe’s products, to include HiPP comfort milk formula, HiPP Dutch stage 1 combiotic Infant milk formula, HiPP HA Germany hypoallergenic stage pre combiotic infant milk formula.

    Also, Holle Bio Stage 1 organic infant milk formula, Holle Bio stage pre organic infant milk formula, Lebenswert Anfangsmilch stage 1 organic infant milk formula, and HiPP UK stage 1 Combiotic first infant milk formula.

    She said that the products contained less than one milligram of iron per 100 calories, and that the eight infant formula product labels failed to have the required ingredient, including not being labelled as required by Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 (21 CFR 107.10 and 107.20).

    Adeyeye said that the recalled products were intended as a complete or partial substitute for human milk for children aged 12 months and below, but by containing less than one milligram (1mg) of iron per 100 calories may not provide adequate iron for some infants, particularly infants born prematurely or with a low birth weight.

    Similarly, they may also not be suitable for those who have low iron levels at birth, or those who are at risk for becoming iron deficient due to illness.

    She explained that inadequate intake of iron at infancy may lead to anaemia, iron deficiency which, if untreated, has irreversible cognitive and functional development outcomes.

    “Infant formula products that contain less than one milligram of iron per 100 calories are required to include a statement on the label indicating that additional iron may be necessary.

    “NAFDAC implores importers, distributors, retailers and consumers, who have these products in storage to stop distribution, sale and use of these recalled products.

    “NAFDAC encourages consumers and health care professionals to report adverse events related to the use of these recalled products to the nearest NAFDAC office,” she said.

    The public are also advised to report any issue relating to these infant formulas to NAFDAC PRASCOR (20543 TOLLS FREE from all networks) or via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng or NAFDAC Med Safety Mobile App. (NAN)/ Flowerbudnews

  • NAFDAC tackles substandard packaged water in Kaduna –Nasiru Mato

    NAFDAC tackles substandard packaged water in Kaduna –Nasiru Mato

     

    By Stella Kabruk
    Kaduna, The National Agency for Food, Drug and Administration (NAFDAC) says it will  intensify efforts at tackling issues of substandard packaged water in Kaduna, according to the agency’s state coordinator, Nasiru Mato.
    Mato told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Friday, in Kaduna, that the problem was to be blamed on some manufacturers operating without good manufacturing equipment.
    “We have observed some packaged water carelessly sold in the markets, in disregard to basic good  manufacturing practices required to guarantee quality packaging.
    “Those who do not comply with the specifications, will not be allowed to toy around with the health of consumers,” he said.
    He added that the agency would continue its surveillance and routine checks, to ensure adherence by packaged water manufacturers in the state, urging residents to only drink packaged water that had a label and date on them.
    In addition, Mato said that packaged water was only fit for consumption within two months of production, pointing out that the agency’s continuous efforts at updating manufacturers on critical aspects of good manufacturing and sanitation had been very useful in making them maintain standards.
    “We will also remain steadfast in advising the manufacturers on post-production handling of the products”, he said.
    He added that the rise in temperature in the country, because of the impending dry season, could mean more demand for water in the coming days, so the agency would intensify its monitoring to ensure hygienic packaged water for citizens to consume.
    “NAFDAC in Kaduna will continue to work around the clock, to ensure that manufacturers of regulated products in the state do their businesses in compliance with laid down standards, procedures and requirements.
    ” If there are any major or critical lapses and violations, which tend to compromise standards of product quality, then we will have no option but to apply the appropriate sanctions,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

  • NAFDAC Intensifies Enforcement Operations in Kaduna

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified enforcement operations in Kaduna to tackle peddlers of unwholesome products and protect public health

    The Kaduna  State Coordinator of the agency, Mr. Nasiru Mato, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

    Flowerbudnews recalls that  four illegal facilities engaged in the production of unregistered yoghurt were recently closed in Kaduna by NAFDAC.

     

    Mato said that the agency sealed the facilities during its surveillance activities in the state for lapses hinging on: unsatisfactory good manufacturing practice, poor hygiene practice, and operating with expired licence.

     

    He said that the monitoring exercise was part of measures put in place by the agency in the state to ensure that only quality and wholesome products are produced, distributed, and sold to their consumers always.

     

    In the light of the foregoing, we want to seize this opportunity to strongly emphasise that strict adherence to operational standards must  be maintained and upheld by the producers of yoghurt and other water-based drinks for the safety of their consumers.

     

    “That will avert possible detrimental consequences on the health of the consumers.

     

    ” Routine and surveillance activities will continue to be intensified on the manufacturers of regulated products in every nook and cranny of Kaduna State by NAFDAC, ” Mato said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

  • NAFDAC Goes Tough, seals pharmaceutical store, sanctions 12 others in Sokoto

    By Habibu Harisu

    Sokoto:.  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed off a pharmaceutical store in Sokoto.

    The State NAFDAC Coordinator, Malam Garba Adamu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Sokoto that 12 other pharmaceutical stores were sanctioned for various alleged offences.

    Adamu said the sealed store was sanctioned for selling and displaying unregistered products, as well as poor storage of medicines and violating distribution regulations.

    He said that the other erring firms had some of their displayed drugs seized and also got warning letters for infractions which included non-compliance with storage and distribution regulations.

    He explained that no fewer than 55 pharmaceutical outlets were sensitized on the use of “Medical Safety Mobile Applications” for reporting adverse drug reactions.

    According to Adamu, the mobile app detects adverse effects in the aftermath of immunisation and keeps track of drugs of interest.

    He noted that NAFDAC collaborates with ACPN and other associated organisations on its continual innovative improvement such as the Med Safety Mobile App and other initiatives.

    “NAFDAC in Sokoto partners associations and institutions to ensure the enlightenment and distribution of posters and fliers on the Med Safety Mobile App.

    “We advise the public to always check for NAFDAC registration number and expiratory date on products during purchase and always report to NAFDAC any violations or reactions to any drug,”Adamu said.

    He appealed to all drugs distribution and sales outlets in the state to always abide by laws and regulations guiding their profession.

    He noted that the exercise was part of the routine operations of the agency aimed at safeguarding the quality and sanity of products being consumed by people.

    “We receive complaints daily on poor quality of some consumables stores and prevalence of related diseases, that is why we swung into action,” the coordinator said.

    Adamu assured Nigerians of the agency’s commitment to safeguarding people`s lives and appealed for the cooperation of the public for the continuation of the exercise in the state.

    During the exercise,  the Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Sokoto State Chapter, Mr Ibrahim Binji, commented NAFDAC for taking steps to safeguard and sanitise the drugs distribution network in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)/Flowerbudnews

  • NAFDAC to begin surveillance of drug hawkers in Kaduna State hi

    NAFDAC to begin surveillance of drug hawkers in Kaduna State hi

    By Stella Kabruk
    Kaduna:  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says preparations have been concluded to start massive surveillance on drug hawkers in Kaduna State.

    Kaduna State Coordinator of the agency, Mr Nasiru Mato disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kaduna.

    Mato said that drug hawking was of major concern to NAFDAC and the state.

    He said that the complete ban of drug hawking was still in force and all medicines must be kept at the appropriate temperature as prescribed by the manufacturer to achieve the desired efficacy, potency and safety.

    “Drug hawking exposes the commodities to severe temperatures, high humidity and other unfriendly climatic conditions. This is unacceptable.

    “Hawking of drugs compromises the ethics and standards of the sale and distribution of medicinal products. How could one be in the business of a commodity of which you do not have prerequisite knowledge?

    “Drug hawking is a serious violation of drug law hence the consumers should always purchase medicines from registered drug outlets.

    “The risks associated with patronising drug hawkers are dangerous and very lethal,” he said.

    Mato said NAFDAC had been up and doing to educate and sensitise the unsuspecting consumers on the inherent dangers of patronising drug hawkers.

    “Drug hawkers must not be allowed to toy with the lives of the people,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) Flowerbudnews

  • Foundation urges NAFDAC to waive some requirements for young entrepreneurs

    Foundation urges NAFDAC to waive some requirements for young entrepreneurs

     

    NAFDAC registration fees threat to young entrepreneurs in Enugu – Foundation

     

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu: An Enugu based group, Potters Wheel Foundation has urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Agency (NAFDAC) to waive some requirements for new entrepreneurs in the country.

    Mr Godson Onuzulike, the President of the foundation stated this on Tuesday during the training of 310 youths and women on different skill acquisition in Enugu.

    Onuzulike said that huge registration fees and other requirements from NAFDAC posed a great challenge to young entrepreneurs in Enugu state.

    The foundation which is a non-governmental and community based humanitarian offers free vocational and entrepreneurship training for youths and women as an antidote to the unemployment, crime and insecurity bedeviling Nigeria.

    He said the registration fees and other requirements were beyond the reach of beginners who were new in their various businesses.

    He alleged that many entrepreneurs in the state were being harassed and their products seized while marketing it by the NAFDAC officials.

    “How can they demand for a four bedroom apartment for a beneficiary who is just starting with N37,000 registration fees?

    “At times, they chase these people in the market for non-certification of products they sell to the public.

    “This is a great challenge to them,’’ he said.

    The president disclosed that the foundation and NAFDAC were working towards creating a centre where any entrepreneur from the foundation could make his/her product under the supervision of NAFDAC.

    Onuzulike, therefore, appealed to governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support them with a waiver or registration fees.

    “The foundation has an open door for partnership with good spirited Nigerians and organisations to help us get millions of our youths and women into productive skill acquisition so as to enable us reduce unemployment, poverty, crime and insecurity,’’ he said.

    The president stated that different entrepreneurial skill and training the foundation offered  youths and women in the state could boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Enugu State.

    Onuzulike said the foundation had trained many youths and women across FCT, Ekiti and Enugu States on how to make cakes, meat pie, doughnut, samosa, spring roll, chin-chin, peanut, scotch egg, bread and cookies.

    Others, he said, were alcohol based hand sanitizers, antibacterial hand wash, car wash, liquid soap, body wash, tile wash, toilet wash, insecticide, rodenticide, carrot oil, coconut oil and many others.

    “The state with over 4 million people and one tablet soap which can serve for a week cost N100, it will be transacting N400 million a week and total of N1.2 billion a month.

    “With this simple analysis, the state will be transform in few years to come if the government and individuals in can key in into the programme.

    “The South-East produced only 30 per cent of these products while 70 per cent are produced from Lagos and Abuja and if we start producing 70 per cent here, many youths and women in the state will be empowered,’’ Onuzulike said.

    He added that in the next five years, cottage industries would be everywhere in the state where youths and women make the economy of Enugu state robust if the foundation were supported.

    “The result of this will skyrocket the GDP of the state and people will be coming from different states to buy things.

    “Nigeria youths are not lazy, they just need to be guided, spur into action and they would start making things to happen economically,’’ he noted.

    The president stressed that their products were not different from those from the multinational companies as they buy chemical from the same market.

    A participant, Ngozika Egwuatu described the programme as a very good initiative which would help them to become their own boss and independent.

    She thanked the convener for organising such programme to lift people out of idleness adding, “in the society where it is difficult to give and someone is giving idea free is just marvelous.’’

    Another beneficiary, Victoria Nnaji, said the training was an eye opener to her as she has learnt many things she did not know before. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) Flowerbudnews

  • NAFDAC seals warehouse over alleged harmful chemicals

    NAFDAC seals warehouse over alleged harmful chemicals

    By Flowerbud News

    Nov. 4, 2021

    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday sealed a warehouse and arrested the owner over alleged unguarded sales of harmful chemicals.

    The Kano State Coordinator of the agency, Mr Shaba Muhammed, told journalists that the deadly chemicals included Sulphuric acid, caustic soda, hydraulic acid, hydrogen peroxide, among others.

    According to Shaba, before a person engages in the sale of such substances, one needs training and certification on the handling and storage of such chemicals.

    “Besides, the location of the warehouse needed to be inspected,” he said.

    He said that the warehouse was situated in Sabon Gari residential area.

    The coordinator appealed to residents to watch out for such a warehouse and report to the authorities to avoid unexpected calamities.

    He added that the suspect was currently in NAFDAC custody and would be handed over to the Police for further investigation and prosecution soon.

    NAN

  • NAFDAC sensitises corps members on product registration in Kaduna State

    NAFDAC sensitises corps members on product registration in Kaduna State

    By Stella Kabruk
    Kaduna:  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has embarked on sensitisation of corps members on product registration requirements.

    The State Coordinator of the agency, Mr Nasiru Mato said that the agency had made it easier for businesses in the country to register their products through the NAFDAC  Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the orientation course was organised by the National Youth  Service Corps (NYSC) in Kaduna.

    Mato said that products registration with NAFDAC usually threw up different questions and requests.

    He said that acquiring licences for NAFDAC regulated products was mandatory for the prospective manufacturers to secure marketing authorisation.

    He said that the registration process was now made easier by NAFDAC on its e-registration platform referred to as NAPAMS.

    “The e-registration is seamless, interactive and clients can get real time feedback and responses at every step thus can always monitor the progress and status of their application anywhere online.

    “Product safety, quality, wholesomeness competitiveness and consumer confidence are among the numerous advantages of product registration with NAFDAC.”

    Mato implored the corps members who had obtained entrepreneural skills to take advantage of NAPAMS to register their regulated products which have minimal risks under MSME category.

    He said that the system offered greater transparency, reduction in possible registration bottlenecks as well as registration timeline.

    He urged them to see products registration with NAFDAC as a stepping stone to boost businesses, self-reliance, economic growth and empowerment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) Flowerbudnews