The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control says it is alive to its responsibility of safeguarding the health of the public despite its recent caution on Indomie Noodles.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known in a statement issued by its resident media consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola.
This followed NAFDAC’s alert on the recall of Indomie instant noodles (Special Chicken flavour) by Taiwan and Malaysia authorities on the alleged presence of ethylene oxide, a compound associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Prof. Adeyeye said that NAFDAC, as a responsible and responsive regulatory body has taken swift actions to carry out random sampling and analysis of Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) for the presence of ethylene oxide.
She said the investigation would be extended to other brands of instant noodles offered for sale in the Nigerian market to detect whether the carcinogenic compound is present.
“We use this medium to assure the public that a thorough investigation of the products will be conducted both at the factory and market levels and our findings will be communicated.
“The public is also hereby informed that the implicated Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ is not registered by NAFDAC for sale in Nigeria.
“It is important to mention that noodles are on the Import Prohibition List of the Federal Government of Nigeria and is therefore not permitted for importation to Nigeria.
“Further, the Indomie instant noodles products (and other brands of noodles) registered by NAFDAC for sale in the Nigerian market are manufactured in Nigeria and are only granted NAFDAC registration status.
“A strict regulatory regime covering all aspects of Good Manufacturing Practice is placed on all these products manufactured in Nigeria.
“The Ports Inspection Directorate is also on heightened alert to guard against the importation of the implicated product into Nigeria.
“NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the agency is proactive and remains alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public,” Adeyeye said
(NAN)
