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NAFDAC Re-Emphasizes Ban On Sachet Alcohol, Codeine Syrup
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NAFDAC Re-Emphasizes Ban On Sachet Alcohol, Codeine Syrup

by Victor Ndubuisi
written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

In order to stop misuse and protect public safety, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, or NAFDAC, has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the prohibition on codeine syrup and sachet alcohol.

This was announced in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General and CEO of NAFDAC.

The statement reads: “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) began enforcing the ban on alcohol sold in sachets and in less than 200ml PET bottles on February 1, 2024, following a five-year moratorium.

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“This moratorium, agreed upon in December 2018, was signed by the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), the Association of Food Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), the Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). Despite advice from the House Committee on Food and Drug Administration to suspend the ban, NAFDAC awaits a directive from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

“On June 13, 2024, a meeting was held in the Speaker’s Office with the Director-General of NAFDAC and representatives from the House Committee on Food and Drug Administration.

“The committee again recommended suspending the ban, but the Director-General emphasised that it is a Ministerial Directive and requires further instruction from the Coordinating Minister. The Speaker’s representative, Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, indicated that discussions would resume after the House returns from recess in July.

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“Regarding the ban on codeine syrup, placed on May 1, 2018, by then-Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole, NAFDAC reiterates that the ban remains in effect. Any reports suggesting that another Minister has lifted the ban are inaccurate and false. NAFDAC remains committed to enforcing this ban to prevent abuse and ensure public safety.”

 

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The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeyeye, has issued a warning to Nigerians about the dangers of storing cooked food in refrigerators for more than three days.
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NAFDAC Chief Warns Against Storing Cooked Food in Refrigerators for More Than Three Days

by Sopuru Sopuru
written by Sopuru Sopuru 2 minutes read

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeyeye, has issued a warning to Nigerians about the dangers of storing cooked food in refrigerators for more than three days. She highlighted the risks of prolonged food storage, which can lead to contamination by harmful pathogens, resulting in foodborne illnesses and potentially fatal outcomes.

This warning was conveyed in a statement released on Tuesday by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola. The announcement coincided with the 2024 World Food Safety Day, observed annually on June 7th, themed “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.” This day aims to raise awareness and advocate for measures to prevent, detect, and manage public health risks associated with unsafe food practices.

Adeyeye emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust food safety culture throughout the food supply chain to effectively mitigate hazards and risks. She pointed out that food safety is not only vital for public health but also crucial for economic development and food security.

The statement read, in part, “She urged Nigerians to avoid storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days, warning that such practices make the food susceptible to contamination by disease-causing pathogens, which are primary agents of foodborne diseases that can be fatal.”

According to global health statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 600 million people worldwide fall ill each year due to consuming contaminated food, leading to approximately 420,000 deaths annually. This pervasive issue also imposes significant economic burdens, with low- and middle-income countries losing an estimated $110 billion annually in productivity and medical expenses due to unsafe food practices.

Highlighting the need for collective efforts to tackle food safety challenges, the Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Mrs. Eva Edwards, stressed that foodborne diseases are preventable through proper food handling and hygiene practices. Edwards stated, “Let’s all play our part in promoting good hygiene practices in our homes, communities, and food establishments.

Anaedoonline

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House of Representatives Orders Investigation into NAFDAC's Ban on Beverages in Sachets and Small Bottles
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House of Representatives Orders Investigation into NAFDAC’s Ban on Beverages in Sachets and Small Bottles

by Ikem Emmanuel
written by Ikem Emmanuel 3 minutes read

The House of Representatives has taken a significant step in response to the decision by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to impose a ban on the production of beverages in sachets and small bottles in Nigeria. This decision has sparked widespread concern among stakeholders and prompted calls for further scrutiny.

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The House mandated its committee on NAFDAC to conduct a thorough investigation into the basis and circumstances surrounding NAFDAC’s decision. This decision came following a motion moved on the floor by Rep. Paschal Agbodike and Rep. Philip Agbese.

Rep. Agbodike highlighted the constitutional provisions empowering the National Assembly to oversee the activities of agencies like NAFDAC and emphasized the potential adverse impact of the ban on the economy and livelihoods of Nigerians. He expressed concern that the ban contradicts the principles of the Constitution and could exacerbate the challenges faced by many Nigerians, particularly those reliant on the production and sale of these beverages for their livelihoods.

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Moreover, the motion underscored the importance of supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which play a significant role in employment generation in Nigeria. The ban, if implemented, could undermine the sustainability of these businesses and lead to job losses for a substantial portion of the workforce.

Rep. Agbodike also raised the issue of potential proliferation of unregulated production of such beverages, posing risks to public health and safety. He argued that rather than addressing the underlying concerns, the ban could drive the production of these beverages underground, further complicating regulatory efforts.

The House’s decision to investigate the ban reflects a commitment to ensuring accountability and safeguarding the interests of Nigerians. It signals a proactive approach to addressing policy decisions that could have far-reaching implications for the economy and society at large.

As the committee embarks on its investigation, stakeholders and the public alike await the findings with keen interest, hopeful for a resolution that balances regulatory objectives with economic considerations and the welfare of citizens.

This move by the House underscores the importance of robust oversight mechanisms in ensuring that regulatory decisions align with constitutional principles and serve the best interests of the Nigerian people.

Anaedoonline

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NAFDAC Warns of Fake Certificates for Imported Drugs
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NAFDAC Warns of Fake Certificates for Imported Drugs

by Victor Ndubuisi
written by Victor Ndubuisi 3 minutes read

Concerns about the proliferation of forged certificates of pharmaceutical products (CPPs) that are used to bring medications into Nigeria have been voiced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

This was disclosed by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, during the Abuja stakeholders’ engagement meeting with legislators, regulators, and law enforcement agencies.

According to her, over 50% of CPPs entering the nation are fraudulent, and NAFDAC has prevented the entry of over 140 certified items via its pre-shipment testing programme.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) evaluates the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products and the applicant in the exporting country through the issuance of a CPP. It is only applicable to a single product because manufacturing and approval data may differ for dosage forms and strengths.

Prof. Adeyeye stated that NAFDAC’s mission is to guarantee that medical items in circulation are safe, effective, and of the appropriate quality. He further stated that counterfeit and subpar products represent a major risk to public health and universal health care in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

She stated that NAFDAC has an obligation to deal with individuals who travel to China or India in order to obtain phoney CPPs and that NAFDAC is a part of the international and regional regulatory agencies that have committed to ensuring that goods entering the region are of a high calibre.

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“It’s a Member States issue, and we are going to deal with it,” she said.

She also mentioned that NAFDAC is extremely strict and will not accept any quality compromises, and that many companies that have broken its criteria have been placed on a blacklist and faced penalties from the organisation.

“Trade is a mutual agreement and if that agreement is harming one part of the agreement, we will stop it. If a company is suspected to be compromising, in two hours we will be there, and we will shut the company down,” she warned.

She bemoaned the fact that only around 10% of national regulatory bodies had reached maturity level three, which involves market control, and that this contributed to the comparatively high prevalence of inferior and counterfeit pharmaceuticals in Africa.

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She went on to say that NAFDAC’s mission is to see a decrease in counterfeit and subpar medications, both imported and produced domestically, and that the agency is making every effort to combat them through the use of three main strategies: prevent, detect, and respond.

But in order to find and fix the flaws in the system and safeguard public health, she urged cooperation and teamwork with other stakeholders.

 

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NAFDAC Re-Emphasizes Ban On Sachet Alcohol, Codeine Syrup
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NAFDAC Issues Alert on Counterfeit Arla Dano Milk Powder Circulating

by Victor Ndubuisi
written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

Nigerians have been forewarned by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) that fake Arla Dano 14g sachet full cream milk powder is in circulation in the nation’s main cities.

The advisory, issued by NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasises that the TG Arla Dairy Product Enterprise company, the registered owner of the certificate of registration, has conducted investigations that have shown the bogus products are widely available in a number of markets.

The aforementioned counterfeit goods can be recognised by their batch numbers, 7A08016:01 and 8A0306:36, which correspond to their respective expiration dates of May 2024 and February 2024.

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The state coordinators and zonal directors of NAFDAC have been instructed to carry out extensive monitoring and launch initiatives to eliminate the fake milk powder from the market.

Adeyeye stated, “NAFDAC implores distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance to avoid consuming, selling, or distributing counterfeit products.

“The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked,” the statement reads.

“Anyone possessing the counterfeit Arla Dano 14g full cream milk powder is advised to submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“Suppose you, or someone you know, have consumed this product or suffered any adverse reaction/event after consumption. In that case, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.”

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Additionally, customers who have eaten the fake product or suffered any negative side effects are urged to contact licenced healthcare providers right once for help.

NAFDAC urges people to notify the closest NAFDAC office of any unfavourable incidents or side effects connected to consuming packaged food items that aren’t healthy.

 

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Dora Akunyili Matriarch missed amidst the escalation of fake consumables in Nigeria
HealthMETRONews

Dora Akunyili: The Matriarch Missed Amidst the Rise of Counterfeit Consumables in Nigeria

by Ikem Emmanuel
written by Ikem Emmanuel 7 minutes read

NAFDAC’s Ongoing Battle Against Counterfeit Consumables: A Glimpse into History and Present Challenges

 

The Rise of Counterfeit Consumables in Nigeria

 

There has been a concerning rise in fake products in Nigeria recently, spanning from counterfeit wines, spirits, and whiskeys to fake Hollandia yogurts, pet Coke, Fanta, Pepsi, and even fake palm oil infiltrating the markets. Despite numerous reports highlighting this surge in fake consumables, especially beverages, concrete eradication efforts were lacking until a recent intervention in Eziukwu Market (Cemetery Market) in Aba, Abia State.

 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), led by the DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, took a decisive step by raiding over 240 shops-turned-factories engaged in the production and marketing of harmful counterfeit products. The estimated street value of the confiscated goods reached a staggering 750 million naira. While the commendable effort to tackle counterfeit drinks following an intelligent tip-off is noteworthy, questions arise about the adequacy of the punitive measures given the severe consequences of consuming these counterfeit consumables.

 

fake wines being destroyed at cemetery market

Counterfeit wines meeting their end during the NAFDAC raid at Cemetery Market

 

The Dangers In Consuming Expired Products

 

Prof. Dora Akunyili’s Legacy in the Fight Against Fake Drugs

Reflecting on the current scenario brings to mind the early 2000s when Nigeria faced a similar scare related to fake drugs and consumables. During that period, Prof. Dora Akunyili, a matriarch and an iconic figure of blessed memory, engaged in a relentless battle against counterfeiting cartels. Her administration was marked by threats, including a planned arson that resulted in the loss of her house and office. Despite facing bullets during a raid on her convoy, she intensified her war against fake drugs and consumables, leading to a significant reduction in their prevalence—from 70% to about 10%.

 

Dora Akunyili proudly displays her array of well-deserved accolades and honors.

Dora Akunyili proudly displays her array of well-deserved accolades and honors.

 

Unfortunately, since Prof. Akunyili’s tenure as the Director General of NAFDAC ended in 2009, Nigeria has struggled to maintain the standards she set. Her death marked the beginning of renewed challenges with peddlers and manufacturers of fake drugs and consumables. The recent raid in Cemetery Market, Aba, provides only a glimpse into the extensive network of the fake drug and consumables cartel.

 

Urgent Need for Severe Punitive Measures and Strategic Interventions

To effectively combat this menace, there is an urgent need for severe punitive measures and strategic interventions. Prof. Adeyeye, at the helm of NAFDAC, acknowledges the health risks associated with consuming these fake consumables. The substandard materials and unhygienic production environments contribute to kidney failure and other health-related ailments.

 

NAFDAC Destroys N500 Million Worth Of Fake, Expired Drugs, Food Products, Cosmetics, Others

 

Public Vigilance and Reporting: A Crucial Role in the Battle

 

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) further links a significant portion of cancer cases in Nigeria to the consumption of adulterated alcohol. Prof. Adeyeye urges Nigerians to consider the 4P’s—place, price, package, and product—when making purchases related to consumables. The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious activity of illegal producers of adulterated products to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.

 

As NAFDAC, under Prof. Adeyeye’s leadership, strives to reverse the doom caused by fake and counterfeited consumables, the public’s vigilance becomes paramount in safeguarding the nation’s health. The battle against counterfeit consumables continues, echoing the indomitable spirit of Prof. Dora Akunyili in the ongoing fight for a safer and healthier Nigeria.

 

AnaedoOnline

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UPDATE: Fake Drinks Factory Busted By NAFDAC in Aba
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UPDATE: Fake Drinks Factory Busted By NAFDAC in Aba

by Victor Ndubuisi
written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) acted quickly, raiding a suspected factory in Abia State that produces counterfeit beverages.

The prompt action was taken in response to a widely shared image on social media that showed dubious production methods at the aforementioned factory.

NAFDAC promptly launched an inquiry in response to the concerning image, which resulted in a focused operation to deal with the purported production of tainted beverages in the state.

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During the operation, the agency’s increased efforts to stop the manufacture and sale of counterfeit goods—especially beverages—uncovered many sites involved in illegal production.

Working with law enforcement, NAFDAC discovered underground operations that were replicating well-known wine, soft drink, and other consumer brands.

Serious questions concerning the safety and legitimacy of the items were raised when it was discovered that the confiscated facilities were using recycled bottles, cloned packaging materials, and filthy operating conditions.

During the operation, NAFDAC acted decisively, destroying a major portion of the seized counterfeit and inferior goods, estimated to have a substantial financial worth.

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Numerous people connected to these illicit activities were detained, and they will all be subject to in-depth inquiries and possible legal repercussions.

In reaction to these events, NAFDAC urged the public to maintain their vigilance and to report to the closest NAFDAC office any suspicious activity pertaining to the manufacture or distribution of counterfeit goods as soon as possible.

 

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NAFDAC Warns Against ‘Dangerous’ Energy Drink In Nigeria

by Victor Ndubuisi
written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

Nigerians have been advised by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) not to consume a certain Energy Drink because of its high caffeine content, which is seen as harmful.

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have both banned G Fuel brand energy drinks; the agency claims to have been informed about this.

A recall has been issued for the energy drink manufactured by T&E Imports and GPAE Trading Corp in other nations.

NAFDAC Destroys Fake and Expired Goods Worth Over N500 Million

She said: “The product is not registered by NAFDAC, which implored consumers and retailers to refrain from using, selling, serving, or distributing the implicated product.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicion of distribution and sale of unwholesome packaged food products to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“NAFDAC could also be reached on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

“Healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of any substandard NAFDAC-regulated product to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“NAFDAC could also be reached through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website, www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application available for download on Android and IOS stores.

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“The public could also reach NAFDAC via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng,” she added (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AG/VAO.”

 

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NAFDAC Destroys Fake and Expired Goods Worth Over N500 Million

by Ikem Emmanuel
written by Ikem Emmanuel 2 minutes read

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) conducted the destruction of fake and expired goods worth over N500 million in Abuja. NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that some of the goods were voluntarily submitted to the agency, and the exercise is part of a routine procedure carried out nationwide.

The goods were destroyed to prevent their reintroduction into the supply chain. They included counterfeit drugs, food products like spaghetti, vegetable oil, and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics such as creams and lotions, as well as chemicals like fake insecticides and medical devices. Additionally, expired and unwholesome products were handed over for destruction by various companies, Non-Governmental Organizations, and the Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria.

The estimated street value of the destroyed products was N535,000,657.00. Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that drug counterfeiting is not only economic sabotage but also a severe threat to public health. NAFDAC has taken a proactive approach to combat this menace, engaging various stakeholders to sensitize the public about the dangers of substandard and falsified medicines. The agency encourages citizens to report any suspicious products to NAFDAC.

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Mr. Isiaku Gamajira, the FCT Coordinator of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), also stressed the importance of product certification and quality standards in ensuring Nigeria’s products meet international requirements, reducing the risk of rejection abroad.

Mr. Enejoh Amade, Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, expressed his association’s commitment to supporting NAFDAC in eliminating substandard drugs from the country.

The joint efforts of NAFDAC, SON, and other agencies aim to protect consumers from potentially harmful and counterfeit products, promoting public health and trade relations.

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NAFDAC Destroys N500 Million Worth Of Fake, Expired Drugs, Food Products, Cosmetics, Others
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NAFDAC Destroys N500 Million Worth Of Fake, Expired Drugs, Food Products, Cosmetics, Others

by Victor Ndubuisi
written by Victor Ndubuisi 2 minutes read

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed almost N500 million worth of counterfeit and expired items, including medications, food, and cosmetics, among other things, on Wednesday.

According to Anaedoonline.ng, the agency’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, while some of the commodities were taken, others were voluntarily surrendered to the agency.

She explained that the agency destroys such items to prevent them from being re-circulated on the market.

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During the demolition exercise on Wednesday, NAFDAC stated that fraudulent and expired items worth over N500 million were destroyed, adding that the activity, which took place in Abuja, was an agency’s nationwide routine exercise.

According to this site, some of the commodities destroyed include psychoactive and controlled substances such as antibiotics, antihypertensive, antimalarials, herbal snuff and herbal remedies, and drugs confiscated from drug hawkers.

Others included Spaghetti, vegetable oil, and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a 1 by 40ft container of unlicensed Faurecia instant-powered milk handed over to the agency by Nigeria Customs Services.

Cosmetics like as creams, lotion, and pomade, as well as skin-lightening creams seized from SPAS and beauty centres, were included among the destroyed products, as were chemicals such as phoney pesticides and medical gadgets.

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Other goods destroyed were expired and unwholesome products that were voluntarily turned up for disposal by complaint corporations, non-governmental organisations, and the Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria.

During the exercise, the NAFDAC boss, who was represented by Mr Francis Ononiwu, the NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said, “I have said on several platforms that drug counterfeiting is an act of economic sabotage, and it also represents a serious threat to public health, and NAFDAC, under my watch, has been repositioned to combat this menace.”

“The agency has adopted a proactive approach by engaging political, traditional, faith leaders, journalists and other Nigerians to sensitise their wards on the dangers of dealing with substandard and falsified medicine.

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“I wish to use this medium to urge all and sundry to be on the lookout for spurious and counterfeit medicines, unwholesome foods and other regulated products and report same to NAFDAC.”

 

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