•Insists product unregistered in Nigeria

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has directed its officials across the country to heighten surveillance in their various jurisdictions to avoid entry of suspected unhealthy Indomie noodles vegetable flavour into the country.

The agency said it was responding to a recent recall of Indomie noodles vegetable flavour by the French Authority (Rappel Conso of France) on account of the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically milk and eggs, which may pose significant health risks to consumers with allergies or intolerances.

NAFDAC’s director general, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who signed the statement confirmed that the Indomie noodles vegetable flavour in question was not registered with the NAFDAC for sale in Nigeria.

“It is important to note that noodles are listed on the import prohibition list of the Federal Government of Nigeria, meaning the importation into the country is not allowed. This significantly reduces the likelihood of the affected product entering the Nigerian market.

“Furthermore, 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 said.

She reassured the public that the agency was proactive and remained alive to its responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public, including Nigerians who may travel abroad or purchase products online.

She strongly advised consumers to exercise caution, discard the recalled product if found and report any suspicion of its sale or distribution to the nearest NAFDAC office for necessary action. “Similarly, adverse events or side effects related to consumption should be repo