Category: Health and Environment

 

 

By Habibu Harisu
Sokoto:  Nigeria Custom Service (NCS), on Wednesday, handed over 1,198 cartons of illicit drugs and consumables seized at the Nigerian border to officials of National Agency for Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Sokoto State.

The NCS Comptroller in charge of Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, Mr Musa Omale, made the presentation and solicited for increased synergy among security operatives and Nigerians to rid the country of smugglers.

Omale said that unchecked drugs coming into the country were a threat, given the cases of drug abuse and related crimes in the nation.

He said illicit drugs pose severe threat to security and safety of citizens as well as pose severe threats to public health, security and social harmony.

He said that the seized items included contraband sex enhancing tablets, expired consumables and drugs that were smuggled through illegal routes.

He assured NAFDAC of the command’s unflinching support to its fight against counterfeit drugs and warned smugglers to desist from the act, saying that the command is battle ready to curtail the nefarious activities.

The comptroller further said: ”For control, the importation of pharmaceutical drugs through the land border is not allowed.

”The NCS has streamlined the importation of all pharmaceutical drugs through designated sea ports and are only cleared after meeting the pre-requisite documentation.”

He further said that the exercise was in line with the collaboration policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, and sought sister agencies’ greater collaboration toward safeguarding public health and nation’s economy.

The Sokoto State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Alhaji Garba Adamu, thanked the NCS for the unwavering synergy and collaboration toward safeguarding the life and health of Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

By Biola Lawal
Abuja (Flowerbudnews) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reacted to viral post of a woman allegedly frying plantain chips with oil in which polythene had been melted.

NAFDAC assured that the ”Agency is taking a science-based approach in her response to the alleged claim and will conduct necessary laboratory investigation into the claim.”

”NAFDAC is a responsible and responsive regulatory authority guided by science,” Sayo Akintola, Resident Media Consultant, disclosed in a statement.

NAFDAC re-assured the public that the Agency was proactive and remained alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public and that thorough investigation of the alleged claim will be conducted.

The statement read further:

”The attention of the Management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to viral posts making the rounds on social media where an individual was reporting the alleged frying of plantain chips by a woman who before she grated the plantain into the hot oil she melted about 5 of the white polythene what we call olonka rubber into the oil.

” It is important to mention that the viral post began circulating on a date pre-dating the day it was said to have been observed and that it did not give any indication of geographical location (country) of where the practice was observed,” NAFDAC said in the statement.

In the meantime, our advice to the public who consume NAFDAC regulated food products remains the same and centres around being vigilant as a consumer:

(NAFDAC is a responsible and responsive regulatory authority guided by science)

 

The statement urged Nigerians to always purchase from a reputable source.
Check for the NAFDAC Registration Number of the product on the label/package as a sign that it is approved by NAFDAC.

”Stay away from the product if the packaging looks suspect or compromised.
Stay away from the product if there is any objectionable smell or colour.

(NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye)

 

”Exercise caution if the price at which the product is being offered for sale is much cheaper than similar products.

We use this medium to re-assure the public that the Agency is proactive and remains alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public and that thorough investigation of the alleged claim will be conducted.

NAFDAC safeguarding the health of the Nation. (Flowerbudnews)

 

 

 

 

By Biola Lawal
Abuja ( Flowerbudnews): The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) has debunked as misleading, report alleging that nearly all paracetamol tablets in Nigeria were possibly underdosed.

NAFDAC Director General, Prof Moji Adeyeye gave the clarification in a statement she personally signed which was made available to newsmen, including Flowerbudnews on Monday in Abuja.

Prof Adeyeye described the claims as misleading and questionable, saying: ”NAFDAC is aware of a recent story presently being circulated on social media alleging that nearly all paracetamol tablets sold in Nigeria are under dosed.”

The NAFDAC Boss stated that the Agency had
‘received a copy of the publication of the research finding of the subject and stated ”categorically that the report is misleading, and the science is questionable.”

”As the quality culture of NAFDAC demands, as soon as the Agency became aware of the news, the Director General, had meetings with the respective Directors and gave a directive that a survey of the market should be done to sample and test, ” She explained.

The Director General also met with the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria to inform them of the Agencys intent.

‘:NAFDACs laboratories are ISO 17025-certified every year to ensure that the procedures used for testing are based on international standards and the equipment or instruments used are qualified similarly. ” She stated, adding;

”We do yearly post-marketing survey of medicines to ensure that the quality and safety are maintained.

‘:Where there is a deviation from this, i.e., whenever we find any regulated product to be substandard or falsified, NAFDAC regularly issues public alerts or do recalls,’:. Prof Adeyeye said.

The NAFDAC Boss disclosed; ”in the last two years we have issued eighty-eight (88) public alerts and ordered thirty-two (32) recalls for medicines and foods.”

”We are using this medium to assure the public that NAFDAC is using international standards and scientific method to survey the paracetamol product where samples are collected from different parts of the country in the right amount and will be tested using well calibrated, and qualified state-of-the-art equipment or instruments.

”This is part of our routine regulatory post marketing surveillance among others throughout the life cycle of a medicine.

‘:We want to reiterate that NAFDAC has five ISO-17025 Laboratories across the country, and a WHO Prequalified Laboratory at Yaba Lagos where medicines are tested for quality and safety,” Prof Adeyeye emphasised.

She disclosed that the NAFDAC ”laboratories test medicines using official monographs of British Pharmacopeia, United States Pharmacopoeia, and International Pharmacopoeia.:”

”As soon as we finish the laboratory testing, we will update the public. NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the Agency is very vigilant in her responsibilities in safeguarding the health of the nation.

”It is on this basis that NAFDAC has been recognized by WHO as a stable, well-functioning agency, and by other international partners as an organisation that places premium on the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines, food, and other regulated products,” the Director General stated.

She reassured Nigerians of NAFDAC commitment to Safeguarding the Health of the Nation. (Flowerbudnews)

 

 

 

By Biola Lawal
Abuja ( Flowerbudnews): The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has vowed to intensify its current battle against drug counterfeiters and producers of unwholesome products to keep Nigerians safe.

It would be recalled that NAFDAC recently scored a major victory against counterfeiters when it’s operatives busted a cartel involved in the production of fake wines and soft drinks in Aba, Abia State.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated her resolute resolve to combat the drug counterfeiters till the menace is eradicated or reduced to the barest minimum.

Prof. Adeyeye stressed that NAFDAC remained undeterred by a campaign of calumny launched against it by those who sought to profit at the expense of the well-being of fellow citizens, a statement by Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC Resident Consultant disclosed.

The NAFDAC Boss noted recent negative press reports concerning the activities of fake drug manufacturers and sellers of substandard food and beverages, reassuring that ‘:NAFDAC is intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of drugs and food consumed by Nigerians.’:

We ‘:stand resolute against a campaign of calumny launched by those who seek to profit at the expense of the well-being of fellow citizens, She stated.

:The NAFDAC Boss remarked that that the recent exposure of a cartel involved in the production of fake wines and soft drinks in Aba, Abia State, underscored the gravity of the situation.

Prof. Adeyeye clarified that NAFDAC brought the activities of the nefarious individuals to the public’s attention to safeguard citizens during the Yuletide festivities, cautioning against consuming potentially harmful substances disguised as cheap wines and soft drinks.

The Director-General expressed dismay at the uncomplimentary commentaries in the media, highlighting the interception of counterfeiters in Eziukwu Market, Aba, as an example of NAFDAC’s commitment.

She emphasised that the agency would not be deterred by unfounded allegations, urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that officers from the Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) and Pharmacovigilance and Post Marketing Surveillance Directorates have been empowered to apprehend those involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs and substandard food items.

Despite numerous life-threatening encounters and attacks on NAFDAC officers, the agency remainef undeterred in its mission to safeguard the health of Nigerians, Prof Adeyeye emphasised.

She urged citizens to assist by providing useful information on the activities of counterfeiters, emphasizing, “They live and operate in our midst. We should say something when we see something.”

Calling for the support of the 10th National Assembly, Prof. Adeyeye appealed for the expedited review of penalties against counterfeiting.

She argued that stiff penalties, without an option of a fine, would discourage perpetrators from engaging in such illicit trades.

NAFDAC, having achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification and World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3, continues in its efforts to combat the scourge of substandard medicines.

Prof. Adeyeye pledged that the agency would persist with sensitization activities across the country in the New Year, ensuring Nigerians are aware of the threats posed by counterfeit products.

Prof. Adeyeye urged consumers to scrutinize branded drinks or drugs before consumption. NAFDAC advises the public to consider the “4 Ps” before purchasing drugs, food, drinks, or alcohol:

Place: Buy only NAFDAC-registered drug and food products from reputable and licensed pharmacies, retailers, bars, and supermarkets.
Price: Be cautious of products sold significantly below normal prices or without proper taxes, as they might be fake.

Packaging: Inspect for poor-quality packaging, spelling mistakes, and unusual bottle shapes. Check for the manufacturer’s contact information and address.

Product: Beware of unpleasant smells, as products smelling like paint stripper or nail polish remover may be unsafe.

NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mission to minimize the circulation of counterfeit products, ensuring that Nigerians consume only healthy and safe products.

The agency encourages the public to report any suspicious activities or illegal production of adulterated products to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide. (Flowerbudnews)

 

 

 

By Aderogba George
Abuja:  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
has notified the public about five contaminated syrups allegedly going round in World Health Organisation (WHO) regions.

The notification is contained in a public alert No. 037/2023, signed by the Director-General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

The agency listed the WHO regions to include: America, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and Western Pacific.

It stated that the five oral liquid dosage forms (syrup and suspension) were also detected in the Maldives and Pakistan,

Some of the affected products have also been detected in Belize, Fiji and Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

The agency listed the sysrups as: ALERGO Syrup, EMIDONE Suspension, MUCORID Syrup, ULCOFIN Suspension and ZINCELL Syrup, adding that “a total of 23 batches of the products are affected and the stated manufacturer is PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD (Pakistan).

“In November 2023, samples of five different batches of ALERGO syrup were screened for non-compliance by the quality control laboratory of the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA).

“This is in accordance with the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) test for Diethylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol for inclusion in the International Pharmacopoeia.

“The routine screening detected potentially unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants.

“Laboratory testing conducted by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA) confirmed that all five batches
were contaminated with ethylene glycol at levels ranging from 0.62 to 0.82 per cent w/w relative to the accepted limit
of not more than 0.10% w/w.
“A follow-on inspection of PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD was conducted by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

“The DRAP review of the manufacturing facility and manufacturing records suggested that diethylene glycol/ethylene glycol as contaminants may be present in other products and batches manufactured by PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD.

“The safety and quality of these products can, therefore, not be guaranteed,” Adeyeye quoted DRAP as saying.

The NAFDAC boss said that as precautionary measure, DRAP had instructed PHARMIX LABORATORIES to stop production of all oral liquid dosage medicines and issued
a Recall Alert for the five different oral dosage manufactured by the company.

She disclosed that Diethylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.

According to her, toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.

The NAFDAC boss stated that manufacturers of liquid dosage forms, especially syrups that contain excipients, are at risk of contamination with EG/DEG such as glycol, sorbitol, and/or glycerin/glycerol.

Adeyeye added that the substandard products referenced in the alert are unsafe and that their use, especially in children, may result to serious injury or death.

She stated that although the products are not registered by NAFDAC, they may have been distributed through formal and informal markets to other countries or regions, including Nigeria.

She implored importers, distributors, retailers and consumers to exercise caution and increase vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the substandard cough syrups.

She said all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers, adding that products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked when buying.
The director-general advised the public, who are in possession of the listed products not to sell or use the products, but submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

She urged those who may have used the products to seek immediate medical advice from qualified healthcare professionals.

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

She encouraged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse or side effects related to the use of the medicinal product to the nearest NAFDAC office, or
through the use of E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med- safety application available for download and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews