NAFDAC denies involvement in recalling vegetable noodles by French authority
The Management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it is not involved in the 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.
In light of this development, the Agency said it has undertaken some proactive measures as a responsive regulator by ensuring increased vigilance actions to guard against the possible entry of the recalled product into Nigeria.
Prof Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, Director General in a statement in Sunday disclosed that surveillance has been directed across all zones and states, and zonal directors and state coordinators have been mandated to mop up the product if found within their jurisdictions.
“The public is hereby informed that the Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour in question is not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (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 their importation into the country is not allowed. This significantly reduces the likelihood of the affected product entering the Nigerian market.
“Further, 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
The Agency 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 while adverse events or side effects related to consumption should be reported via NAFDAC’s E-reporting platforms available on www.nafdac.gov.ng.
