NAFDAC disowns viral audio on move to ban noodles, seasoning cubes
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) NAFDAC has distanced itself from an audio recording circulating on social media, claiming the agency shut down Tummy Tummy noodles’ manufacturing facility in Anambra State and banned tinned tomatoes and Maggi seasoning cubes.
The agency, in a statement on Wednesday signed by Mojisola Adeyeye, its director-general, described the contents of the recording as false. “NAFDAC categorically disclaims the contents of this recording and dissociates herself from it in its entirety”, the statement read.
The agency explained that the same audio first surfaced in October 2023 and was thoroughly investigated at that time. It added that contrary to the claims made in the recording, the Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State was not sealed.
The agency said Its inspection team conducted an unscheduled visit to the facility, collected samples of four different noodle variants, and submitted them to the Agulu Laboratory for evaluation, and the results returned satisfactory, with no infractions recorded.
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“The individual who created the audio falsely claimed to be acting in collaboration with NAFDAC and alleged the presence of “acetyl methyl” as a preservative in the product. This was unfounded and misleading. NAFDAC found no evidence to support the claims and reiterates that the company was not in violation of any safety or regulatory standards.
“Furthermore, following widespread concern in 2023 about the presence of ethylene oxide in instant noodles, NAFDAC conducted a comprehensive investigation at both factory and market levels. Findings confirmed that ethylene oxide or its derivative was not present in any instant noodles or seasonings produced in Nigeria.
Additionally, mycotoxin levels and heavy metals were within internationally acceptable limits, confirming the safety of Nigerian-made noodles.
NAFDAC also affirmed that there is no ban on tinned tomatoes or Maggi seasoning cubes in Nigeria.
The NAFDAC, therefore urged the public to disregard the “misleading” audio and refrain from spreading unverified content, while assuring the it would remain proactive and committed to its mandate of safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and properly regulated food and drug products are available to Nigerians.
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