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Tag: NAFDAC

  • Four arrested as Police, NAFDAC smash fake bread syndicate in A’Ibom

    The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) working in collaboration with the Police has smashed a syndicate specializing in producing unwholesome bread with pirated materials in Akwa Ibom State.

    Although the prime suspect, simply identified as Emeka is on the run, no fewer than four persons were arrested when the Police stormed the factory at Ekpemiong Itak community in Ikono Local Government Area of the State.

    Worried by the development, officials of NAFDAC have sealed the depot, carting away hundreds of fake breads, including fake wrappers and labels of other quality breads with which he used as cover to sell his illicit bread.

    The Senior Regulatory Officer (SPO), Mr. Abutu Michael, who led the inspection team on behalf of the head of NAFDAC in the State, Mr. Collins Ogedegbe, admitted that such cases have been rampant in the State.

    “We have been handling these kind of cases in the State”, he said, adding that the agency would stop at nothing to ensure the enforcement of quality control regime on food products in the State.

    With sealing of the place, the NAFDAC SPO said investigation has begun to ascertain whether the company’s operations complied with the regulatory demands of the agency.

    “We are going to check for the company’s name in our documents whether it has been registered; whether it conformed to the regulatory framework”, he explained, adding that if found guilty at the end of investigation, necessary penalties would be slammed on the suspects.

    One of the bread brands faked by the company, Gestric bread, belongs to the former Deputy Governor of the State, Obong Chris Ekpenyong.

    Speaking yesterday on the matter, Ekpenyong recalled that he was moved to investigate when: “people started complaining that the quality of my bread is no longer what it used to be.

    “What we discovered was that this company used the name, labels and wrappers of my bread to produce his fake bread, thereby making customers to believe it is my bread.

    He, therefore, urged the Police to immediately prosecute the suspects, saying: “if effective action was not taken to check the dumping of illicit foods in the country, people will continue to die of ailments from unidentified sources.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of Ikot Ekpene, Mr. A.S. Bello, who confirmed the incident, said the suspects would be charged to Court.

    He appealed to the civil society to compliment the services of the Police in the task of riding the society of fraudsters and criminal elements by volunteering information suspicious characters in their neighbourhoods.

  • NAFDAC, SON advised on imported goods

    NAFDAC, SON advised on imported goods

    The Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO), Ota Zonal Command, Paul Kehinde Osukoya, has urged the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other agencies to ensure sub-standard goods are not imported.
    He said about 40 per cent of imported spare parts, tyres and electrical/electronic appliances were fake.
    Osukoya, who was reacting to the arrest of two Chinese, who imported N5billion worth of sub-standard tyres, said the agencies should plug the loopholes used by people to smuggle fake/sub-standard products.
    He said such products constituted health hazard.
    Obiano presents certificate to monarch
    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has presented Certificate of Recognition to Igwe Godwin Ezeilo, the monarch of Nanka in Orumba North Local Government.
    He said this was in consonance with the Anambra Traditional Rulers Law of 1981.
    Obiano said he had no difficulty in signing the certificate because Ezeilo was unanimously elected by his people.
    He urged the traditional ruler to promote peace and unity in Nanka, saying his government’s assistance to communities was to ensure peace.
    The governor advised him to reach out to those aggrieved over his ascension to the throne, “as you are now the father of all.”
    Presenting the monarch, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Chief Greg Obi, said the occasion was a culmination of years of efforts.
    He said the traditional ruler enjoyed the support of about 90 per cent of the people.
    The President-General of the community, Mr. Bernard Onyekwelu, said Ezeilo emerged the winner with 181 votes ahead of the second and third contestants, who got 31 and 18 votes.
    He urged the indigenes to support the monarch, in the interest of peace and progress.
    A stakeholder, Mr. Iloegbune Okoye, hailed the development and prayed for God’s wisdom for the monarch.
    He thanked the governor for according recognition to the traditional ruler and hoped it would mark the beginning of a new era in Nanka.

  • NAFDAC, SON advised on imported goods

    The Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO), Ota Zonal Command, Paul Kehinde Osukoya, has urged the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other agencies to ensure sub-standard goods are not imported.

    He said about 40 per cent of imported spare parts, tyres and electrical/electronic appliances were fake.

    Osukoya, who was reacting to the arrest of two Chinese, who imported N5billion worth of sub-standard tyres, said the agencies should plug the loopholes used by people to smuggle fake/sub-standard products.

    He said such products constituted health hazard.

    Obiano presents certificate to monarch

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has presented Certificate of Recognition to Igwe Godwin Ezeilo, the monarch of Nanka in Orumba North Local Government.

    He said this was in consonance with the Anambra Traditional Rulers Law of 1981.

    Obiano said he had no difficulty in signing the certificate because Ezeilo was unanimously elected by his people.

    He urged the traditional ruler to promote peace and unity in Nanka, saying his government’s assistance to communities was to ensure peace.

    The governor advised him to reach out to those aggrieved over his ascension to the throne, “as you are now the father of all.”

    Presenting the monarch, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters,  Chief Greg Obi, said the occasion was a culmination of years of efforts.

    He said the traditional ruler enjoyed the support of about 90 per cent of the people.

    The President-General of the community, Mr. Bernard Onyekwelu, said Ezeilo emerged the winner with 181 votes ahead of the second and third contestants, who got 31 and 18 votes.

    He urged the indigenes to support the monarch, in the interest of peace and progress.

    A stakeholder, Mr. Iloegbune Okoye, hailed the development and prayed for God’s wisdom for the monarch.

    He thanked the governor for according recognition to the traditional ruler and hoped it would mark the beginning of a new era in Nanka.

  • NAFDAC shuts down wine shops in Abuja

    NAFDAC shuts down wine shops in Abuja

    The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down some wine shops worth N100 million in Wuse market, Abuja, for selling fake and unregistered products.

    Mr Shaba Mohammed, the Deputy Director, Investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said this yesterday in Abuja during an operation.

    Mohammed led a team of NAFDAC officials on enforcement to the market in continuation of a renewed global anti-counterfeiting fight against counterfeits.

    He warned that unwholesome food and beverages pose threat to human lives.

    “This operation is being carried out in 60 countries of the world which includes Africa, America, Asia and Middle East.

    “The operation is in continuation of a renewed global anti-counterfeiting fight against counterfeit, substandard, fake and unwholesome food and beverages in collaboration with Interpol and Europol,”Mohammed said.

    He said that the raid was tagged “’Opson VI”.

    Mohammed said that most of the items seized in the operation were mainly 100 per cent ethanol mixed with other additives and contaminants.

    Some of the fake wine found in the market includes Chamdor, Toma, Valdepenas, J and W, and Charmat, among others.

    He further explained that the contaminants cause damages ranging from affecting human brain, communication, inflammation of the liver and cancer.

    He said that suspects arrested would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.

    Mohammed advised the general public to be watchful of food and beverages they purchase and consume on daily basis.

    He urged Nigerians to purchase only products that carry NAFDAC registration numbers.

    He also advised Nigerians to insist on obtaining payment receipts for any purchase made and to report any suspicious activities or illegal warehouses found in their vicinity.

  • NAFDAC shuts down fake, unregistered wine shops in Abuja

    The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down some wine shops worth N100 million in Wuse market, Abuja, for selling fake and unregistered products.

    Mr Shaba Mohammed, the Deputy Director, Investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said this on Friday in Abuja during an operation.

    Mohammed led a team of NAFDAC officials on enforcement to the market in continuation of a renewed global anti-counterfeiting fight against counterfeits.

    He warned that unwholesome food and beverages pose threat to human lives.

    “This operation is being carried out in 60 countries of the world which includes Africa, America, Asia and Middle East.

    “The operation is in continuation of a renewed global anti-counterfeiting fight against counterfeit, substandard, fake and unwholesome food and beverages in collaboration with Interpol and Europol,”Mohammed said.

    He said that the raid was tagged “’Opson VI”.

    Mohammed said that most of the items seized in the operation were mainly 100 per cent ethanol mixed with other additives and contaminants.

    Some of the fake wine found in the market includes Chamdor, Toma, Valdepenas, J and W, and Charmat, among others.

    He further explained that the contaminants cause damages ranging from affecting human brain, communication, inflammation of the liver and cancer.

    He said that suspects arrested would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.

    Mohammed advised the general public to be watchful of food and beverages they purchase and consume on daily basis.

    He urged Nigerians to purchase only products that carry NAFDAC registration numbers.

    He also advised Nigerians to insist on obtaining payment receipts for any purchase made and to report any suspicious activities or illegal warehouses found in their vicinity.

  • Coca-Cola products safe for consumption, says Ministry of Health

    Coca-Cola products safe for consumption, says Ministry of Health

    The Federal Ministry of Health has certified Coca-Cola products manufactured in Nigeria safe for consumption.

    The Ministry stated this on Friday in a statement by its Director, Media and Public Relations Mrs Akinola Boade on behalf of the Minister after a meeting with the Department of Food and Drug Services, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) following a recent court order.

    A Lagos High Court in its judgement on a case filed by Fijabi Holdings and another versus Nigeria Bottling Company and NAFDAC ruled that Fanta and Sprite when taken with Vitamin C is poisonous.

    It asked NAFDAC to compel the Nigerian Bottling Company, makers of Coca-Cola products to include a warning label warning consumers not to take Fanta and Sprite with Vitamin C.

    However the Ministry after the meeting with the concerned agencies said a routine inspection conducted at Nigeria Bottling Company by NAFDAC officers in December, 2016 which was satisfactory

    It stated that risk assessment was conducted to ascertain maximum limits of food additives acceptable in foods.

    The assessment takes into consideration the environmental, storage and distribution conditions as well as the shelf life of food products, while NAFDAC and SON regularly monitor the manufacturing practices of Food industries and conduct laboratory analysis to ascertain continuous compliance with required national standards.

    The full findings of the meeting is as follows:

    1. Both Benzoic acid and Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) are ingredients approved by International Food Safety regulators and used in many food and beverage products around the world.
    2. Are levels of additives introduced as preservatives within specification?
    • Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is the organ established by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) to set internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines relating to foods, food production, and food safety.
    • In the case of Benzoic acid, the standard set by Codex was 600mg/kg until recently reviewed to 250mg/kg and adopted in 2016. (CODEX STAN 192-1995 revised 2015 and 2016).
    • With reference to the Codex standard and other relevant documents, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as the standard setting body in Nigeria in consultation with technical experts and relevant stakeholders elaborated the standard of benzoic acid in soft drinks to be at 250mg/kg based on the National climatic and storage conditions. This standard has been in existence since 1997 and revised in 2008. (NIS 217:2008)
    • The levels of benzoic acid in Fanta (1 batch) and Sprite (2 batches) presented by the claimant in the court are 188.64mg/kg, 201.06mg/kg and 161.5mg/kg respectively.
    • These levels are in compliance with both the Codex and Nigeria Industrial Standards.
    1. Are Coca-Cola products manufactured in Nigeria safe for consumption?
    • Yes, the Coca-Cola products manufactured in Nigeria are safe for consumption in view of the following reasons:
    1. Risk assessment was conducted to ascertain maximum limits of food additives acceptable in foods.
    2. This takes into consideration the environmental, storage and distribution conditions as well as the shelf life of food products.
    3. NAFDAC and SON regularly monitor the manufacturing practices of Food industries and conduct laboratory analysis to ascertain continuous compliance with required national standards.
    4. There was a routine inspection conducted at Nigeria Bottling Company by NAFDAC officers in December, 2016 which was satisfactory.
    5. Why is there difference between the standard of Fanta and Sprite in Nigeria and the United Kingdom?
    • With reference to the Codex standards, each country or region is permitted to adapt a standard/limit based on country specific scientific evidence such as environmental, storage and distribution conditions.
    • Benzoic acid as a preservative prevents the growth of microorganisms which thrive more at higher climatic temperatures like in Nigeria.
    • Due to the different environmental conditions obtainable in the UK, the standard for benzoic acid was set at a lower limit of 150mg/kg while in Nigeria it was set at 250mg/kg even below that of Codex (as at time of production of that batch; Codex limit was 600mgkg).
    • Food products being imported into a country must comply with the relevant standards of the destination country. NAFDAC has processes in place to ensure products imported into the country are evaluated to ascertain compliance with required Nigeria Industrial Standards.
    • The claimant did not obtain NAFDAC certification before export, otherwise, he would have been advised on the required standard of the destination country.
    1. In view of the above, we would like to advise all Nigerians to take medicines with potable water. This would help to prevent unexpected drug-food interactions.
    2. For the benefit of the health of all Nigerians, all bottling companies are encouraged to insert advisory warnings on all products as necessary.
  • Budget: Finance minister asks NAFDAC to refund N2.8b

    Budget: Finance minister asks NAFDAC to refund N2.8b

    The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has asked the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to refund N2, 854,095,289.02 into the Consolidated Revenue Fund being Operating Surpluses for 2016.

    Also, the minister has summoned the Acting Director-General of NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, and members of her management for a meeting today to explain why the agency refused to remit the surpluses.

    The minister queried why NAFDAC has proposed in its 2017 Budget to expend 100% of its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    These measures were contained in a letter to NAFDAC which was obtained yesterday.

    The letter was titled “Review of 2017 revenue and expenditure estimates and the repayment of outstanding operating surplus.”

    The letter said:  “The President Muhammadu Buhari led administration is committed to fiscal discipline, financial accountability and maximisation of revenue generation from its various agencies.

    “In line with Sections 21 and 22 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 (as amended), the Minister of Finance is required to receive and review the Annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure (Draft Budgets) of Public Agencies and Corporations prior to their transmission to the National Assembly for approval.

    “The draft budget for 2017, submitted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been reviewed and the following observations arise:

    “The projected cost to income ratio of NAFDAC is 100% which even exceeds the 75% target allowed for agencies which are not funded by Federal Government.

    “It is therefore a matter of grave concern that NAFDAC, which is fully funded from the budget (by payment of salary/ overhead) proposes to expend 100% of its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). This contravenes the Finance circular FMF/HMF/2016/1/2 of November 22nd, 2016.”

    The letter added: “I am therefore requesting NAFDAC to attend an urgent meeting in my office on Friday 17th March at 11:00am together with officials of the supervising Ministry (Ministry of Health) to resolve this issue.

    “ It was further observed that NAFDAC augmented its employee costs by N688,421, 881.00 by using IGR in addition to appropriated sum of N4,443,243,393.00 in 2017 draft budget. Kindly provide necessary explanation and authorisation for this increase outside appropriation.

    “NAFDAC is indebted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund in the sum of N2,854,095,289.02 with regard to prior years’ Operating Surpluses that have not been remitted. It is expected that full payment be received within 2017 or a repayment agreement be reached with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

    “In the Interim, NAFDAC is advised to drastically revise its draft budget downwards in line with the fiscal discipline expected under the current administration.”

  • Court judgment on Fanta, Sprite begins investigation – CPC

    Court judgment on Fanta, Sprite begins investigation – CPC

    The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has launched a detailed investigation into the alleged danger of mixing Fanta or Sprite with Vitamin C.

    CPC’s Director-General, Mrs Dupe Atoki, announced this in Abuja on Thursday.

    “The Consumer Protection Council is keenly interested and extremely concerned about the questions that have arisen from and on account of this judgement.

    “As such, the discoveries therein the CPC is launching a broad and detailed investigation as a matter of urgency.

    ‘’Indeed the judgement only serves as a subject of bringing this information to the CPC’s attention. The council would conduct its own investigation separately.’’

    According to her, the CPC was interested because Fanta, Sprite and Coca Cola are the most widely consumed beverages in Nigeria.

    Atoki said that the investigation was also hinged on the fact that vitamin C was one of the most consumed medications for both children and adults in the country.

    She said that the NBC products and vitamin C were routinely consumed in Nigeria with no restrictions to access and availability.

    According to her, the council would ask key questions such as: “Is Sprite and Fanta at the time of production potentially harmful to consumers when consumed with vitamin C?

    “If yes, what is NBC’s obligation to consumers and has NBC fully discharge the obligation?

    According to her, Pursuant to the CPC Act, the council is interested in discovering what steps NBC took after the testing and confiscation of Fanta and Sprite by the UK authorities.

    Atoki said that CPC had written to NBC to provide certain information to enable it conduct its own investigation on the matter not later than Thursday March 23, 2017.

    She said that it was not the duty of NBC to tell Nigerians that their product was okay for consumption.

    A Lagos state High Court has awarded a N2 million cost against NAFDAC for failing Nigerians by certifying Fanta and Sprite fit for human consumption even after the drinks were declared unfit for human consumption in the UK.

    The court also ordered NAFDAC to direct the NBC Plc to include a warning on the bottles of the product that its content cannot be taken with Vitamin C.

     

  • UNODC, NAFDAC launch report on narcotics, use

    UNODC, NAFDAC launch report on narcotics, use

    Eleven percent of global opiate users live in Africa, with more than half in West and Central Africa, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has said.
    It made this known last Friday at the launch of the 2016 annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Laboratory, Oshodi, Lagos.
    The report said the number of women arrested for drug-related crimes had increased significantly.
    UNODC’s Project Officer Ms Harsheth Virk said once imprisoned, drug use was more prevalent among female prisoners than their male counterparts.
    “There is a strong link between sex work and drug use. Some women turn to sex work as a means to support a drug dependent lifestyle, while sex workers may use drugs to cope with the demands and nature of their work,” Virk said.
    She said there was a rise in the involvement of African nationals in drug trafficking worldwide, adding “West Africa has been increasingly affected by criminal operations that involve not only trafficking of cocaine from South America to Europe but also distribution for local abuse and illicit manufacture of synthetic drugs destined mainly for markets in Asia.
    “According to the UNODC, Opiates originating from Afghanistan are increasingly being trafficked to East and West Africa, either for local consumption or onward shipment.
    NAFDAC Acting Director-General Mrs Yetunde Oni represented by the Director, Narcotic and Controlled Substance Directorate Dr Umar Musa said the agency would ensure the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes and prevent their diversion.

  • NAFDAC, SON to fast-track grant of licences, approvals

    NAFDAC, SON to fast-track grant of licences, approvals

    The National Agency For Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), have undertaken to grant licenses and approvals to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) within 90 days,

    They gave the commitment to the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, during a follow-up meeting he had with the Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and SMEs stakeholders from the state and some Federal Government regulatory agencies in Abuja.

    Osinbajo had called on the  government’s regulatory agencies to act as catalysts of beneficial change and to take responsibility for facilitating businesses in the country. “We must see ourselves as agents of some catalytic change, we must take some responsibility to make profound changes possible,” Osinbajo told regulatory agencies, according to a statement endorsed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to the President Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande.

    The Acting President had visited Aba to kick-off the Presidency’s MSMES Clinics where medium and small scale businesses are brought together in one spot with Federal Government regulatory agencies they interface with.

    At the meeting, also attended by the Industry, Trade and Investment Minister-Dr. Okey Enelamah, and the Minister of State in the ministry, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar, the Acting President directed both NAFDAC and SON to give specific timelines within which they would grant licences and approvals required of them by business interests.

    SON Director-General, Mr. Aboloma Osita, who attended the meeting announced that within 60 days,  the agency will issue required approvals, while the Acting Director-General of NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni also said within 90 days the agency would issue all required licenses.

    Both officials said the timing starts from the day the requests are submitted.

    According to the Acting President, regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC and SON would be judged by how many people, businesses they are able to support “to achieve the greatest public good.”

    He commended the Abia State governor for his drive, adding that ‘Made-in-Aba’ products are now acquiring a mark of quality.

    Said he: “like I said during my visit to Aba, you can’t have any serious kind of industrialisation in this country, without a focus on Aba.”

    He also met with the Governors of Cross Rivers, Senator Ben Ayade; Akwa Ibom, Mr. Emmanuel Udom and Ebonyi State, Mr. Dave Umahi, alongside top officials of the National Boundary Commission, led by the Director-General, Dr. Muhammad Ahmad, to review updates on boundary  and boundary demarcation issues.