NAFDAC Warns Public against Patronage of ‘Miracle’ Products

pharmacy

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to the public against patronising “miracle” products being marketed by faith-based organisations under false pretences.

This follows the agency’s probe into the activities of Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries, led by Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin in Delta State, where in he has been seen promoting products like “miracle water” and “miracle soap” with claims of registration under the agency.

In a press statement released by the agency and signed by the Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, it was disclosed that concerned citizens filed petitions regarding the sale and advertisement of these products, which were being falsely claimed to be registered with the agency.

The prophet had allegedly assured his congregation, both in person and through social media, that the products were capable of healing conditions such as barrenness, with promises of miraculous outcomes, including the birth of twins.

The statement reads in part, “The Minister showcased the use of “miracle water” and “miracle soap” on social media to heal barrenness. He claimed that the women would carry twins if they used the soap. He openly told his congregation that the soap is NAFDAC registered. Thus, the public began to visit the office to confirm the claims.

The petitioners also submitted the following products from the Spiritual Ministry to NAFDAC to verify the bogus claims.”

The products are : “Miracle & Healing Water, River Jordan Water, The Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida, A new beginning Mount Camel Miracle Water, Water of life, Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida (1L), A New Beginning Pool of Bethsaida Water, Father Smelled Perfume.”

The agency stated that upon receipt of the petitions, it contacted its Delta State Coordinator, through the Director Post Marketing Surveillance of the agency to ascertain the existence or records of any transaction with the Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries and the products in Delta State Office.

“The coordinator was also directed to visit the ministry to establish the veracity of the claims in the petitions and take necessary regulatory action on the production facility in the ministry where the miracle water and other products are produced. The state coordinator anonymously bought the miracle water (25cl) for N3,000 from the ministries and took the pictures.”

“On Wednesday, 14 August, 2024, the Coordinator, Delta State visited the Mercy Land Ministry and met the Head of Service, Mr Ogunleye Fufeyin and the Chief Security Officer. The officials denied producing miracle and healing water or soap even with the evidence of the receipt of purchase. He claimed that only the logo and address on the label were theirs but not the product. The HOS added that they only have the Pool of Bethsaida Water, which is spiritual and artificial. The HOS requested time to meet with other staff and returned. He returned after 30 minutes and refused to cooperate, asking them to see the CSO.”

Upon further investigation, the DG revealed that the Enforcement and Investigation team of the agency, who was dispatched to the ministry, were met with resistance, as officials failed to cooperate with investigations and ignored requests to submit relevant documentation.

“Letters of invitation was issued to the officials to report on 28 August, but it was not honoured. The company instead submitted a Legal document at NAFDAC Headquarters Abuja on 28 August 2024 and asked to come back on the 3rd September 2024 to organise their document before coming. The Agency then gave the Prophet till 29th to report at investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC Office Asaba for further necessary investigation.” Adeyeye noted.

“Investigation and Enforcement Asaba waited for the Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries officials based on their earlier request to report for commencement of investigation, but they still refused to show up. On 3rd September 2024, they forwarded some documents instead asking for more time to report.

“In a document, made available to NAFDAC office in the evening of 3rd September, the faith organisation claimed to have entered into a production contract agreement with Globod Table Water Km 4, DSC Expressway, Otokutu, Delta State without the knowledge of NAFDAC State Office in Delta State. This act is illegal according to the extant rules and regulations on commercial production.

“In continuation of our investigation NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement has sealed Globod Table Water factory for aiding and abetting the production, sale and advertisement of unregistered and unwholesome Miracle Water under the pretext of Fake NAFDAC Registration Number.”

“The ministry later on claimed to have entered into a production agreement with Globod Table Water, another unregistered entity, which NAFDAC has since sealed for its involvement in the illegal production and sale of these products.” She added.

In her statement, Prof. Adeyeye, noted that none of the products marketed by Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries are registered with the agency, and urged the public to cease purchasing or using them.

She said: “NAFDAC wishes to inform the public that none of these products being advertised and sold are registered with NAFDAC. The public is also being advised to stop patronising any of these “Miracle” products. NAFDAC is scientific organisation that is guided by verifiable scientific facts before registering any product.

“In the meantime, we will continue with our investigation into the activities of this faith organisation with regards to products within our mandates that have been reported to be manufactured and sold by them. I want to use this opportunity to warn either faith organizations against illegal production of regulated product without requisite regulatory requirements.”