By Promise Eze
Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has spoken out about the recent recall of Indomie instant noodles (Special Chicken flavour) by Taiwan and Malaysia authorities on the alleged presence of ethylene oxide.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said that the implicated Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ is not registered by NAFDAC for sale in Nigeria.
She added that the agency is committed to safeguarding the health of the public and will conduct a thorough investigation of the products both at the factory and market levels.
“We use this medium to assure the public that a thorough investigation of the products will be conducted both at the factory and market levels and our findings will be communicated,” she said.
Adeyeye also stated that NAFDAC is taking action to carry out random sampling and analysis of Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) for the presence of ethylene oxide. This action will also be extended to other food processed noodle brands to detect whether such a carcinogenic compound is present.
“It is important to mention that noodles are on the Import Prohibition List of the Federal Government of Nigeria and are therefore not permitted for importation to Nigeria,” Adeyeye said. “Further, the Indomie instant noodles products (and other brands of noodles) registered by NAFDAC for sale in the Nigerian market are manufactured in Nigeria and are only granted NAFDAC registration status.”
NAFDAC noted that the FG’s Ports Inspection Directorate (PID) is also on heightened alert to guard against the importation of the implicated product into Nigeria.
“NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the agency is proactive and remains alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public,” Adeyeye concluded.
The recent recall of Indomie instant noodles by Taiwan and Malaysia authorities has raised concerns among consumers about the safety of food products.
PRESS RELEASE
Recall of Indomie Instant Noodles 'Special Chicken Flavour' by Health Officials in Malaysia and Taiwan Over Alleged Detection of Ethylene Oxide, a Carcinogenic Compound.#NafdacRelease pic.twitter.com/KAeFAKMUqx
— NAFDAC NIGERIA (@NafdacAgency) May 2, 2023
