The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)

  • Fanta, Sprite with Vitamin C not poisonous, says NBC

    Fanta, Sprite with Vitamin C not poisonous, says NBC

    The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has faulted claims that its products, Fanta and Sprite when taken with Vitamins C are poisonous.

    In a statement by its management Wednesday, the firm said information on the safety of benzoic and ascorbic acids as ingredients in soft drinks, citing a Lagos High Court order, is misleading.

    “In the judgement delivered on February 15, 2017 in a suit involving Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited & Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo vs. Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) & National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Lagos High Court dismissed all claims against NBC and held that the company had not breached its duty of care to consumers and that there was no proven case of negligence against it.

    “In the same judgement, the court directed NAFDAC to mandate NBC to include a warning on its bottles of Fanta and Sprite that its contents cannot be taken with Vitamin C as same become poisonous if taken with Vitamin C. This order was premised on the fact that the products contain the preservative, benzoic acid. NBC has since appealed this order.”

    The firm explained that the standards for testing benzoic acid in soft drinks differs from country to country and is influenced by different factors such as climate.

    The United Kingdom (UK), it added, being a temperate country, requires lower preservative levels unlike a tropical country like Nigeria, but that this did not make NBC’s products harmful when taken with Vitamin C.

    “In the subject case which dates back to 2007, the UK authorities confiscated a consignment of our products shipped to that country by the plaintiff because their benzoic acid levels were not within the UK national level, although well within the levels approved by both the national regulators for Nigeria and the international levels set by CODEX, the joint inter-governmental body responsible for harmonising food standards globally.

    “The UK standards limit benzoic acid in soft drinks to a maximum of 150 mg/kg. Both Fanta and Sprite have benzoic levels of 200 mg/kg which is lower than the Nigerian regulatory limit of 250 mg/kg when combined with ascorbic acid and 300 mg/kg without ascorbic acid and also lower than the 600 mg/kg international limit set by CODEX.”

    It noted that 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.

    “These two ingredients are also used in combination in some of these products within levels which may differ from one country to another as approved by the respective national food and drug regulators and in line with the range prescribed by CODEX.

    “The permissible ingredient levels set by countries for their food and beverage products are influenced by a number of factors such as climate, an example being the UK, a temperate region, requiring lower preservative levels unlike tropical countries.”

    The firm added that “given the fact that the benzoic and ascorbic acid levels in Fanta as well as the benzoic acid level in Sprite produced and sold by NBC in Nigeria are in compliance with the levels approved by all relevant national regulators and the international level set by CODEX, “there is no truth in the report that these products would become poisonous if consumed alongside Vitamin C.

    “The wrong perception emanating from the media reports that our Fanta and Sprite beverages which are fully compliant with all national and international food quality and safety standards are unsafe, simply because their levels of Benzoic acid were not within the UK standards, is not only unfounded but also undermines the entire food and beverage industry in Nigeria which is regulated by the same ingredient levels approved by NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies for the country.”

    It assured its consumers and members of the public of its “unwavering commitment to product quality, safety and customer satisfaction.”

  • BoI will finance only NAFDAC certified products

    BoI will finance only NAFDAC certified products

    The Bank of Industry (BoI) on Friday said that it would not finance products not certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    The Acting Managing-Director of the bank, Mr Waheed Olagunju, made this known in Lagos during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the bank and NAFDAC.

    “It is only certified products that can be sold in the market profitably. It is important for BoI customers to be accredited.

    “Their accreditation by NAFDAC shows that they conform to best manufacturing practices.

    “BoI is supporting many local pharmaceutical companies under Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to export their products because they meet NAFDAC and World Health Organisation (WHO) standards,” Olagunju said.

    He said that the synergy would give BoI access to NAFDAC’s database to ascertain certified products before financing them.

    According to Olagunju, the synergy will facilitate economic growth by ensuring that Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) conform to best production standards.

    Olagunju said that both organisations would leverage on their local and international development partners for the success of the partnership.

    Mrs Yetunde Oni, Acting Director-General, NAFDAC, said that the collaboration would entrench Federal Government’s agenda on promoting non-oil sector of the economy.

    She said that the partnership would boost productivity of SMEs by ensuring granting of marketing authorisation to products that would adopt good manufacturing practice.

    Oni said that partnership with BoI would enable NAFDAC to reach the grassroots, support more entrepreneurs, especially SMEs, toward aiding business growth.

    “The collaboration is a win-win for both parties. While BoI provides machinery and technical support, NAFDAC will furnish BoI with information vital for decision-making toward economic development,” she said.

  • 2016: Customs generates N256.4bn from Tin-Can port

    2016: Customs generates N256.4bn from Tin-Can port

    The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated N256.4 billion revenue between January and December 2016.

    The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Yusuf Bashar, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos by the
    Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr Uche Ejesieme.

    According to him, this is against N266.1 billion recorded in 2015.

    “This figure represents a marginal difference when compared with the figure for 2016, with a shortfall of less than N10 billion, attributable to some factors beyond the control of the command,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes the controller as saying.

    Bashar recalled that in 2016, the command intercepted a large quantity of arms and ammunition based on intelligence reports on Feb. 15, March
    7 and April 4, 2016, all handed over to Department of State Security (DSS)

    The controller said that there was infrastructural face lift of the office complex which hitherto was in deplorable state.

    He mentioned the establishment of a well-equipped clinic to serve the health needs of both officers and other members of the public.

    Bashar said there was an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Customs to the command on October 27, 2016.

    He also recalled that the command seized 31 containers of rice, falsely declared as bread improvers/flavoured yeast Disodium on Aug.
    19, 2016.

    Bashar also recalled that the command intercepted 27 x 20ft containers of vegetable oil in 25 kg kegs at Emog Terminal on Nov. 3, 2016,
    another case of false declaration entered as disodium chemicals.

    He said that 1,395 cartons of Ready to Eat food preparations imported from India-such as Egusi Soup, Porridge Yam, Beans, Fried
    Rice, Jollof Rice, etc, were also intercepted by the command.

    According to Bashar, a spectacular interception of eight bags of unmanifested substances in one container, were seized.

    He said that the eight bags consisted of 200 fully compressed substances which were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement
    Agency (NDLEA) and later confirmed to be cocaine with a street value of N2 billion.

    The controller said that some suspects were handed over to Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for falsification of SON Conformity
    Assessment Programme (SONCAP).

    He also said that some expired medicaments and expired sweets were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration
    and Control (NAFDAC) on Aug. 31 and Nov. 11, respectively.

    Bashar mentioned the establishment of an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre with 320 work stations fully networked for
    training/retraining and capacity building of officers and other stakeholders.

    “The command’s remarkable performance during the period under review attracted eulogies and encomiums, especially from the Customs
    hierarchy.

    “These commendations which were communicated in four different letters at the instance of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Retired
    Col. Hammed Ali, gave testimony of the appreciation of the Service.

    “It is remarkable to state that at no time in the history of the Service has any command received four letters of commendation in a
    space of two months.

    “That to us is a milestone which the Command will sustain in the New Year and beyond,’’ NAN quotes Bashar as saying.

    He thanked the comptroller-general and his management team for providing effective leadership to the Service.

    The controller said, “The issue of integrity, transparency and due diligence which is encapsulated in the Change mantra of the CGC, has
    provided the needed impetus for the Service to thrive.’’

    He said that no Command or officer would like to be a weak link in the value chain.

    “ It, therefore, suffices to say that we are on our toes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

    “At the Tin-Can Island Command, we have resolved to consolidate on the gains and achievements of the past year and to do even more.

    “We are operationally ready to cope with whatever challenge that we might encounter in the New Year and beyond.

    “As a Benchmark Command, we are not leaving anything to chance in ensuring operational efficiency, ‘’ NAN quotes the controller as
    saying.

    He said that the command was determined to forge a better synergy and collaboration with the critical stakeholders and other sister agencies
    for the implementation of the fiscal policies of the Federal Government.

    According to Bashar, however, we wish to reiterate our zero tolerance for false declaration or other deliberate infractions.

    “In this regard, all areas of revenue leakages will be identified and blocked and any attempt by an importer or his agent to circumvent the
    process, will be viewed seriously.

    “We want to assure all honest declarants of our readiness to facilitate trade in line with global best practices.

  • Rice not plastic but unsuitable for consumption – NAFDAC

    Rice not plastic but unsuitable for consumption – NAFDAC

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday said laboratory result of the suspected fake rice showed that the product was not plastic but was contaminated with micro-organisms.

    The Acting Director General of NAFDAC, Yetunde Oni, disclosed this at a news conference held in conjunction with the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    Oni said the seized rice was unsatisfactory and therefore unwholesome for human consumption, stressing that the consignment would be destroyed upon handover by the Customs.

    She added that the product branded ”Best Tomato,” was in 25kg bag, without NAFDAC number, batch number,  date markings and details of the manufacturer.

    Oni said, “Floating” was negative, sedimentation was positive, cooking was normal, odour was normal, colour was off-white and E-coli was within specification.

    Lead and cadmium were not detected, pre-ashing was normal, ash, moisture and mould were within specification but coli form was above maximum limits.”

    Oni urged the public to report suspicious cases about all NAFDAC regulated products to any of the offices nationwide for prompt regulatory action.

     

     

  • CBN, SEC, others fingered in N450bn un-remitted operating surpluses

    CBN, SEC, others fingered in N450bn un-remitted operating surpluses

    The Federal Ministry of Finance said it constituted a committee to recover unremitted operating surpluses of agencies of government, running into N450billion.

    The committee led by the Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, was mandated to reconcile the operating surpluses of 31 revenue-generating agencies of government for the period 2010-2015.

    A statement from ministry of finance signed by Festus Akanbi, Special Assistant, media to the finance minister said “the findings of the committee so far, have shown under-remittance of over N450 billion, which has accrued within the period.”

    The Finance Ministry stated that staff of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation have critically reviewed the accounting statements of these agencies, which include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Petroleum Technology Development Fund, (PTDF), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), among others.

    The Committee will therefore be inviting the management of these agencies to explain why their operating surpluses have not been remitted as mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.

    Some of these agencies the ministry said “have incurred huge expenses on overseas training and medicals, and huge expenses on behalf of supervisory ministries and/other organs of government involved in oversight or regulatory functions without appropriate approval.”

    Other infractions include payment of salaries and allowances to staff and board members, governing councils, and commissions which are outside or above the amount approved by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC) and the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

    The list also includes unacceptable expenses incurred on donations, sponsorships, etc; unfavourable contract signed for revenue collection by a third party; granting of staff loans that have not been repaid as well as sale and transfer of assets to board members, among others.

    According to the Finance Ministry, the overall effect of these practices is that operating surpluses of these agencies are lower than should be.

    As a result of this, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has directed the Accountant General of the Federation to issue a circular that will limit allowable expenses that can be spent as part of measures to ensure these agencies face strict monitoring.

    This development the statement said is part of the resolve of the Minister to ensure that leakages are tackled.

  • NAFDAC to Nigerians: Be wary of gin, wines

    NAFDAC to Nigerians: Be wary of gin, wines

    As Christmas approaches, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) wants Nigerians to be wary of the spirits, gins and wines they consume to avoid adulteration.

    NAFDAC’s Ports Head in Enugu State, Mr. John Okwori, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the agency recently found out that beverage fakers were focusing on these drinks.

    NAN reports that the agency recently seized 11 large cartoons of fake Chelsea Dry Gin labels which could be used to package gins worth N64.76 million.

    NAFDAC also tracked down and confiscated a large number of fake labels of Amarula drinks.

    Okwori, a deputy director in NAFDAC, said that the agency had commenced a nationwide massive mop-up of these products.

    “Apart from the tracking of fake labels imported into the country, the agency is currently doing a mop-up of substandard, expired and fake spirits, gins and wines in the market.

    “But we need the co-operation of every Nigeria on this issue.

    “Our people should be wary of spirits, gins and wines they buy; they should securitise them to see that NAFDAC numbers, production dates, manufacturers and countries of origin are well spelt out.

    “There should be a closer look at the labels to see that they are the normal and regular labels.

    “They should also watch out for the colour of the drink through its container, whether it conforms to the original colour.

    “If there is anything wrong in all these I have mentioned, do not buy the drink.

    “Your safety and that of your loved ones, who you are giving or sharing the drink with, should come first,’’ he said.

    The director urged Nigerians to promptly report to the nearest NAFDAC office, about any drink they might suspect to be fake.

    “NAFDAC offices are open for public complaints, enquiries and advice every working day,’’ he said.

    Okwori warned that consuming adulterated drinks could damage vital organs.

    “It can lead to kidney, liver or heart complications as well as diseases, especially when such injurious drinks are consumed in large quantities due to the euphoria of the yuletide season,’’ he said.

     

  • FG moves against use of chemical weapon

    The Federal Government is taking steps to prevent use of chemical weapons for insurgency and militancy in the country.

    Apart from banning unneeded dangerous chemicals from coming into the country, the government is also monitoring the use of dangerous chemicals needed for other legitimate use in Nigeria.

    The Acting Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs. Yetunde Oni and the Permanent Secretary of Political and Economic Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the NAC/BWC Office, Ambassador Olukunle Bamgbose, disclosed the new move in Abuja on Monday.

    They spoke during an international workshop on Assistance and Protection Against Chemical Weapons” organised by the National Authority on Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Oni said: “You are aware NAFDAC is not solely meant for food and drugs alone, we also control chemicals. In a bit to do what is expected of us in ensuring the chemicals are used for the purpose for which they are meant, NAFDAC restructured and we established the chemical evaluation and research directorate. The onus is on this directorate to ensure that whoever is bringing in the chemicals is given a checklist.”

    According to her, there is increasing evidences that chemical can contribute to health, environmental and security problems at various stages during their life-cycle from production, import and disposal.

    Bamgbose said that the event seek to identify and bridge the gaps in the implementation of the Chemical Weapon Control and proffer improvement.

    The workshop, he said, is also to evolve a National Action Plan to guide and regulate the use and threat to the use of chemical weapons in Nigeria among others threats.

    The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mrs. Halima Ahmed warned the Federal Government against ignoring the possibility of the Boko Haram and Niger-Delta militants using biological and chemical weapons for terrorism.

    She said: “ECOWAS is committed to ensuring that chemical and biological weapons threats are not allowed with the consequences of their usage in Syria and other parts of Middle Eat. On no account should Boko Haram insurgents and Niger Delta militants be allowed to have access to chemical and biological weapons in Nigeria or other terror groups in Africa.”

    The Director General, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) represented by the Project Officer, Assistance and Protection of the organisation Esmel Oscar Meless urged the domestication of all legal instruments to prohibit usage of chemical and biological weapons  in West Africa and Africa.

  • UAC introduces gala mega

    UAC introduces gala mega

    UAC Foods Limited (UFL), has assured loyal consumers of its commitment to sustain its lasting legacy of superior quality. The assurance is the latest demonstration of the iconic brand’s desire to maintain its enviable culture of top quality that has lasted for over 50 years.
    Speaking during a factory tour held recently in Lagos, General Manager, Marketing UAC Foods Limited, Ms Joan Ihekwaba assured that Gala has and will continue to identify with the aspirations of Nigerians and their appetites for success. “Gala Sausage Roll is a household name which has been servicing Nigerians since 1962. UAC Foods over the years has fed Nigerians with the best of quality fast food across all stables. We have a heritage of quality behind our name and we are working hard to sustain and consistently live up to that name” she said.
    The factory tour provided Journalists with the opportunity to have a firsthand assessment of the company’s facilities used in the production of Gala Sausage roll. Commenting on the superior value offering of the brand, Ihekwaba added that “the brand is the first Sausage Roll in Nigeria to include micronutrients for the health and nutrition of its consumers. The product is enriched with vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron, folic acid and iodine, as well as Vitamin B1 and B2. It is prepared from pure beef filling and rich pastry that are sourced in Nigeria.”
    Assuring loyal consumers of the brand’s commitment to top quality in producing safe, healthy and convenience food products, Ihekwaba disclosed that “as a socially responsible corporate body, UFL maintains continuous certification and endorsement from the appropriate industry regulators such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) because we are committed to sustaining the quality of our products to keep our consumers going”.
    It would be recalled that the manufacturer and marketer of tasty and satisfying convenience foods, recently launched “Gala Mega” in direct response to consumers’ demand for a more filling and satisfying snack that replicates the superior quality that the Gala Sausage roll has maintained over the years.

  • NAFDAC embark on a three-day staff re-orientation

    NAFDAC embark on a three-day staff re-orientation

     

     

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has embarked on a 3-day re-orientation and training programme.

    The programme according to a statement issued by the agency cuts across the six geo-political zones in the country.

    Acting Director – General of NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni who flagged off the re-orientation programme said the key objective was to “re-align and re-orientate staff on transparency, accountability, dedication to duty and efficient service delivery”.

    Mrs. Oni explained that the programme was undertaken to “re-orientate staff towards these core values in the bid to reposition NAFDAC”. She stated that when the current management took over in February this year, “we promised to be decisive, firm, courageous, bold, accountable and transparent in running the affairs of the Agency”.

    According to her, no reform process will be credible or sustainable without demonstrable service delivery as this is the key objective of current reform exercise at NAFDAC.

    The Acting Director-General appealed to all regulatory officers at the re-orientation workshop to imbibe the culture of hardwork, honesty and efficient service delivery so that they can be part of the change agenda of Mohammadu Buhari administration.

     

     

  • Customs destroys N12.8million imported frozen poultry

    Customs destroys N12.8million imported frozen poultry

    The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs on Thursday said it has intercepted Tipper loaded with smuggled imported frozen poultry products after three days of ambush along the Agunrege/Saki axis, in Atisbo Local Government area of Oyo state.

    The seized frozen poultry products packed in 1600 cartons were buried and destroyed by the officers.

    At the site of the destruction were   Customs and police officials, newsmen, members of the public and officials of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control  (NAFDAC).

    The poultry products which was worth N12.8million, according to the Command was made possible through intelligence gathering.

    Speaking at the destruction of the banned poultry products at the Arapaja Dump site at Oluyole Local Government of the state, the Customs Area Comptroller of the Command, Mr Temitope Ogunkua said customs officers would not relent in their effort to stop smuggling of banned products.

    “We will continue to chase them and we will reduce smuggling in the Command. What you have seen is one of the antics of smugglers. If you see that vehicle you will think its carrying gravel but from the intelligence we gathered we discovered it was loaded with imported frozen poultry products. Apart from the fact that poultry product is prohibited what about the health hazard to people who consume these products. I use this opportunity again to appeal to Nigerians that they should stop smuggling and we should be wary of the things they buy “, he said.

    Also showcased before newsmen were two fairly used DAF truck with registration numbers AGL 709 XR and LSD 774 XF which were arrested by officers of the Command at different border locations within the state.

    The trucks were loaded with smuggled imported 900 bags of 50kg of rice .

    The Controller who warned members of the public against consuming imported frozen poultry because of its various health hazards revealed that the Command has devised strategies to beat all methods of concealment used by smugglers.

    ” The Command wishes to use this medium to reiterate that our resolve to remain resilient and dogged still stands as we continue to re-engineer our operational architecture in the realisation and actualiation of the service core mandate of revenue generation and suppression of smuggling”, Ogunkua said.