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  • Nigeria Food Products Export, NAFDAC Adopts Steps To Address International Market Rejects

    Nigeria Food Products Export, NAFDAC Adopts Steps To Address International Market Rejects

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    To address the incidences of rejection of Nigeria’s food products Exports to the United Kingdom and the international market, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Development, NAFDAC, said it has adopted six steps to change the narratives.

    The NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye at a meeting with the UK FSA between Nigeria and UK Trade and Investment meeting in London, made the move to change Nigeria’s food export narrative in the international market.

    Adeyeye who was represented by
    Dr. Abimbola Adegboye, Director, Ports Inspection Directorate and Head of Office of Trade and International Relations engaged the FSA on the unabated incidences of reject of Nigerian food products exported to the United Kingdom.

    According to the NAFDAC DG, in a recent meeting with FSA, the agency is commencing on six regulatory-measure approaches to address the reject situation.

    ” These include immediate inclusion and implementation, of NAFDAC Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) and Laboratory testings (e.g., mycotoxin, pesticide residue, and heavy metals) certification for the regulated products – food, drug, and others by the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) as administered by the FGN appointed Pre-shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs).”

    “Inclusion of NAFDAC in the CBN Export Proceed (NXP) form processing.”

    “Engagement with the Comptroller General of Customs as the new administrator of the Nigeria Single Window Trade portal to facilitate this. Engagement with CBN (Trade and Exchange Division) and Federal Ministry of Finance (Home Finance). Strengthening in-country regulatory infrastructures on export, such as listed food products.”

    “Development and introduction of NAFDAC Regulations on Export 2022, already hosted on NAFDAC website with e-copy sent to exporters, trade associations and professional bodies for their inputs and comments within the next 60 days that started from 11th October 2023.”

    “NAFDAC Registration of all exporters of its Regulated Products in addition to the general registration by Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC).”

    Continuations of awareness and sensitization meetings with the export trade operators to reviewed guidelines on export of NAFDAC regulated products using the NAFDAC website for compliance.

    Collaboration with NAFDAC’s sister Agencies, and major trading partners on safety and quality of Nigerian exports, starting with UK and EU.

    Evidence-based national monitoring of Pesticide Residues as part of continuous engagement with the UK FSA, and as a road map for the lifting of the ban on dried beans by the first quarter of 2024.

    Continuous engagements with CBN, FMOF, NCS, NAQS and, externally, with the European Union (EU).

    Adeyeye disclosed that these steps have started yielding positive results with EU reduction of Nigeria’s melon inspection from 100% to 50%.

    In the interim, I implore all Nigerian exporters trading in NAFDAC regulated products to obtain necessary certifications for processing of their products, she advised.
    These could be processed, semi-processed, food-destined for further processing or bulk food such as cocoa, sesame seed, groundnut, melon, or grains (e.g., beans, indigenous rice, etc.) tea materials, ogbonno and melon; drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, agrochemicals, beverages, fruit juices, and medical devices, the DG stated.
    She disclosed her moves to engage key and strategic trading partners, such as the Trade Departments of the Nigerian Embassy and Nigerian High Commission to the UK, among others.

    “Engagement with operators and regulators in the export trade facilitation such as ANCLA, Shippers Council, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Central Bank of Nigeria, Standards Organization of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.”

    Adeyeye noted some challenges confronting the Nigeria’s food export include the unwillingness of exporters to comply with minimal sanitary and phytosanitary measures required for exports to countries with stringent market access.

    “Poor packaging, disregard for importation requirements of trading partners countries
    Penchant for sourcing from open markets for exports without any form of minimal safety or quality specifications .”

    Unwillingness to invest in pre-export activities that help to ensure sustainable export, among other things, she emphasized.

  • NAFDAC, NHA parley on sustainable Affordable, Quality Medicines For Nigerians

    NAFDAC, NHA parley on sustainable Affordable, Quality Medicines For Nigerians

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    In line with the Executive Order 3, EO3, for preference to local contents, the National Agency for Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has parleyed to ensure Nigerians enjoy sustainable access to affordable, and quality medicines.

    The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye noted that new collaboration enables NAFDAC and NHIA to work with Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturers who have been approved by NAFDAC as meeting Good Manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements for the procurement of needed medicines.

    According to her, these manufacturing companies have also had their products registered by NAFDAC, which means that all the attributes of quality, safety, and efficacy pertaining to these products have been duly assured by NAFDAC.

    This means that all the attributes of quality, safety, and efficacy pertaining to these products have been duly assured by NAFDAC.

    The Executive Order 3 (EO3) on support for local content in public procurement by the Federal government requires that All MDAs shall grant preference to local manufacturers of goods and service providers in their procurement of goods and services.

    According to the NAFDAC boss, access to affordable, quality health care for all Nigerians is key on the path to achieving Universal Health Coverage.

    In compliance with the EO3 guidelines, the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pharmaceutical Companies and Drugs Management Organizations (DMOs) for production of 33 different drugs to address the perennial problem of out-of-stock syndrome in the nation’s health facilities.

     Meanwhile, the Federal Government has launched the operational guidelines for the 2022 National Health Insurance Authority Act as part of efforts to ensure all Nigerians have access to affordable healthcare services.

    NAFDAC has in the past five years developed a GMP Roadmap, which continuously assures that pharmaceutical manufacturers in Nigeria remain compliant with global best practices.

    The GMP roadmap was designed to guide and help local manufacturers upgrade their facilities and procedures in line with current good manufacturing practice requirements. This initiative has enabled the Agency to establish a baseline for monitoring compliance.

    NAFDAC will continue to collaborate with NHIA to ensure that the terms spelled out in Executive Order 3(EO3) will to be implemented to enable the attainment of Universal Health Coverage as specified in the National Drug Policy, Adeyeye assured.

    End

  • NAFDAC intensifies fight against artificial food ripening, drug hawking

    NAFDAC intensifies fight against artificial food ripening, drug hawking

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    The National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC has said it would take more stringent actions against perpetuators of drug hawking and artificial ripening of fruits

    Director General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye made this known on Thursday in Uyo at the flag off of the NAFDAC Media Sensitization Workshop on Dangers of Drug Hawking and Ripening of Fruits with Calcium Carbide.

    Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, Dr Leonard Omokpariola said agency have been very emphatic on the dangers and health implication of these two nefarious activities and have taken decisive steps through media sensitization, enforcement through intelligence and raids in fruit markets that have resulted in seizures and destruction of violative products.

    The flag – off for the sensitization workshop the DG said is aimed at sustaining and strengthening NAFDAC’s existing collaboration with Association of Health Journalists in Nigeria towards mobilizing, educating, sensitizing, and conscientizing Nigerian Journalists to play frontline role in efforts to eradicate the social crime.

    “The menace of drug hawking has continued to pose serious challenge to Healthcare Delivery System in the country and this underscored NAFDAC’s resolute determination to totally eradicate the illicit trade.

    “Many Drug Hawkers are knowingly or unknowingly merchants of Death who expose essential while many drugs sold by the illiterate and semi-literate Drug Hawkers are counterfeit, substandard or expired, and therefore do not meet the quality, safety and efficacy requirement of regulated medicines.

    “Drug Hawkers are also the major Distributors and Suppliers of narcotic medicines to criminal networks such as Armed Bandits, Insurgents, Kidnappers and Armed Robbers. Drug Hawkers constitute serious threat to our national security.

    “I wish to warn that any Drug Hawker arrested by NAFDAC will be prosecuted, will face a jail term, and our Enforcement Officers are currently carrying out synchronized nation-wide operation. No offender will be spared from facing the full wrath of the Law.” She said.

    Adeyeye said the effect of artificial ripening on fruit quality include considerable loss of properties such as colour, taste and feel, and such practice does not give the natural aroma and flavour to the fruits.

    “Calcium Carbide when sprayed with water reacts chemically to produce acetylene, which acts like ethylene and ripens fruits by a similar process. Calcium carbide generally contains impurities such as arsenic, lead particles, phosphorus, etc., that pose several very serious health hazards.

    “Consumption of fruits containing these impurities may cause cancer, heart, kidney and liver failure. They may also cause frequent thirst, irritation in mouth and nose, weakness, permanent skin damage, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, skin ulcer and so forth. Higher exposure may cause undesired fluid build-up in lungs (pulmonary oedema).

    “Consuming such artificially ripened fruits could result in sleeping disorders, mouth ulcers, skin rashes, kidney problems and possibly even cancer.” She explained.

    The DG also announced that apart from sensitization campaigns and enforcement activities, NAFDAC has commissioned a scientific study on the best approach towards mitigating the health hazards posed by ripening of fruits with carbides.

    Earlier in a wellcome remark, NAFDAC Zonal Director in charge of South East and South South, Dr Chike Obiano maintained that the media remained a critical stakeholder to the attainment of NAFDAC objectives while it has adopted a two pronged action plan to contend with the problem.

    Also in a remark, the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Abubakar Jimoh regretted that the consumption of hard drugs in Nigeria at 14.3% has remained three times above global average but called on citizens to take ownership of the objectives of the sensitization.

  • No Plastic in Golden Penny Semovita – NAFDAC

    No Plastic in Golden Penny Semovita – NAFDAC

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has responded to a viral social media video claiming that Golden Penny Semovita contains plastic or harmful contaminants. NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has urged the public to disregard these claims and exercise caution when using social media to address concerns about regulated products.

    In the video, a woman is seen washing Golden Penny Semovita in a sieve with cold water, alleging that the residue left behind is plastic. However, NAFDAC conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence of plastic or similar harmful substances in Golden Penny Semovita. The agency used internationally accredited laboratories to perform analytical testing on various brands of Semolina, including Golden Penny Semovita, and confirmed its safety.

    Semovita is a brand of semolina, a popular wheat flour consumed worldwide. It primarily consists of water, carbohydrates, and gluten-forming proteins, which contribute to its unique properties. Gluten is composed of two protein classes, glutenin and gliadin, that combine with water to form a protein network responsible for the viscoelastic properties of semolina-based products. The rubbery appearance observed in the video is a result of the gluten forming after mixing with water during the washing process. It is important to note that semolina does not contain plastic; it only exhibits viscous and elastic characteristics.

    NAFDAC emphasizes that Golden Penny Semovita is safe for consumption and contains the expected components, including the required Vitamin A. The agency advises the public to rely on credible information sources and refrain from spreading misleading claims through social media.

    In conclusion, NAFDAC has confirmed the absence of plastic or harmful contaminants in Golden Penny Semovita, urging the public to dismiss the viral video’s claims. Semovita is a semolina-based product that exhibits viscous and elastic properties due to gluten formation, not plastic content. Consumers can continue to enjoy this popular flour without concerns about its safety.

  • Open Market Drug Hawkers Face Jail Term, Prof. Adeyeye Warns

    Open Market Drug Hawkers Face Jail Term, Prof. Adeyeye Warns

    …As NAFDAC vows to combats Artificial fruit ripening

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Director General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye has warned that henceforth open market Drug hawkers who are arrested will be prosecuted and face jail terms.

    Adeyeye said, “Drugs are sensitive life-saving commodities which should not be sold on the streets/motor parks or open markets just like any other article of trade.”

    “I wish to warn that any Drug Hawker arrested by NAFDAC will be prosecuted, will face a jail term, and our Enforcement Officers are currently carrying out a synchronized nationwide operation. No offender will be spared from facing the full wrath of the Law.”

    The NAFDAC DG gave this warning today in Abuja when she officially flagged – off of the NAFDAC Media Sensitization Workshop on Dangers of Drug Hawking and Fruit ripening with Calcium Carbide in Nigeria.

    She noted that the media engagement and workshop was pertinent to stem down the prevailing nefarious activities of drug hawking and fruit ripening with Calcium Carbide by sensitizing Nigerians on the dangers of these two practices.

    Adeyeye said,” The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has noticed the dangerous practice of sale and consumption of fruits artificially ripened with calcium carbide as well as illegal hawking of drugs in the open market.”

    ‘The menace of drug hawking poses a serious challenge to the Healthcare Delivery System in the country and this underscored NAFDAC’s resolute determination to totally eradicate the illicit trade.’
    Prof. Adeyeye further warned that
    most of the drugs sold by the illiterate and semi-literate Drug Hawkers are counterfeit, substandard or expired, and therefore do not meet the quality, safety and efficacy requirements of regulated medicines.

    She decried the fact that Prescription drugs are also sold by that mobile Drug Hawkers who also hold consultations, recommend and prescribe medicines to their gullible “patients”.

    Speaking on the dangers posed by drug hawkers in the country, the NAFDAC Director General said ,” Drug Hawkers are also the major Distributors and Suppliers of narcotic medicines to criminal networks such as Armed Bandits, Insurgents, Kidnappers and Armed Robbers. Drug Hawkers constitute a serious threat to our national security.”

    According to her,NAFDAC is determined to totally eradicate the illicit trade caused by the menace of drug hawking, which poses a serious challenge to the nation’s Healthcare Delivery System in Nigeria.

    Drug hawkers who are “indirectly merchants of death ”
    equally expose essential medicines to harsh weather which degrades the active ingredients of the medicine and turns them to poisons, thus endangering human lives.

    Also speaking on the inherent dangers of consumption of fruits ripening with Calcium Carbide has posed considerable health challenges on Nigerians.

    She explained that the consumption of fruits such as mango, banana, plantain, guava, oranges, grapes, etc. or any other fruits ripened with calcium carbide is dangerous to health.

    NAFDAC Director, Chemical Evaluation and Research, Dr. Patrick Omkpariola listed the dangers of consuming fruits ripened with Calcium Carbide include stomach upset, mucosal tissue damage in the stomach, disrupt intestinal function, peptic ulcers, kidney problems, affects neurological system.

    “Other symptoms of poisoning include diarrhea (with or without blood), burning or tingling sensation in the abdomen and chest, difficulty in swallowing, irritation in the eyes/skin, sore throat, cough, shortness in breathing, numbness etc.”

    While eating foods ripened with Calcium Carbide causes headache, dizziness, high sleeplessness, memory loss, cerebral edema, numbness of the legs and hands, general weakness, cold and damp skin, low blood pressure and seizure, Dr. Omkpariola explained.

    Also speaking on the effect of artificial ripening on fruit quality, she explained include considerable loss of properties such as color, taste and feel, in addition to loss of the natural aroma and flavor to the fruits.

    ‘These fruits do not possess uniform color and are less juicy than when ripened naturally and have comparatively shorter shelf life.”
    She disclosed that NAFDAC has also taken concrete steps to contain the menace of artificial fruit ripening.

    Adeyeye announced that apart from the various ongoing sensitization campaigns and Enforcement activities, NAFDAC has commissioned a scientific study on the best approach towards mitigating the health hazards posed by ripening of fruits with carbides.

    She called for collaboration with the media, particularly the Association of Health journalists to be frontliners in educating and sensitizing Nigerians through concerted efforts to eradicate the menace of drug hawking and fruit ripening with Calcium Carbide in Nigeria.

  • NDLEA, NAFDAC Boards Remain Intact, FG Clarifies

    NDLEA, NAFDAC Boards Remain Intact, FG Clarifies

    The Federal Government says the Boards of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) are not dissolved.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume said the two boards are exempted from the dissolution of the Boards of Federal government parastatals, agencies, institutions and government-owned companies earlier announced later Monday.

    The statement with the clarification was signed by the Director of Information in the SGF Office, Willie Bassey on behalf of Akume.

    “Further to the directive on the dissolution of Boards of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions and Government-owned Companies, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has clarified that the Boards of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration & Control (NAFDAC) are exempted from such dissolution,” the statement read.

    On Monday, President Bola Tinubu approved the dissolution of all boards of Federal Government parastatals, agencies, institutions and government-owned companies “in the exercise of its constitutional powers and in the public interest”.

    The SGF Office stated that the directive took effect from Friday, June 16, 2023.

    The move followed the sacking of all the service chiefs in the country and the appointment of new ones.

  • Over 70% Nigerian Foods Rejected Abroad – NAFDAC

    Over 70% Nigerian Foods Rejected Abroad – NAFDAC

    The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye said over 70 per cent of food exports from Nigeria are rejected abroad.

    Prof Adeyeye said this at the official commissioning of the New NAFDAC Office complex for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport/NAHCO in Lagos.

    In a statement by the Resident Media Consultant to NAFDAC, Sayo Akintola, on Sunday, Adeyeye said the incidence of rejection of food exports from Nigeria in some European countries and the United States of America may soon become a thing of the past if collaboration between the agency and other government agencies at the ports is strengthened.

    Adeyeye said the deplorable state of export trade facilitation for regulated products leaving the country has continued to be a serious cause for concern for the agency, adding that a trip to NAFDAC Export warehouses within the international airport will explain the major reason for the continuous rejection of Nigerian exports abroad.

    She, however, noted that the agency is responding to the challenge by collaborating with the agencies at the Ports by ensuring that goods meet the regulatory requirements of the importing countries and destinations.

    ‘’The mandate to safeguard the health of the populace through ensuring that food, medicines, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water are safe, efficacious, and of the right quality in an economy that is overwhelmingly dependent on the importation of the bulk of its finished products and raw materials could never have been actualised without the effective presence of NAFDAC at the ports and land borders,’’ she said.

    Commending the Nigeria Customs Service, she said, ‘’Without customs, we will not be able to do a lot of what we have been able to do. The collaboration between Customs and NAFDAC is huge. NAFDAC is a complex organisation. We are scientific. We are police and we work with the Department of State Services. We work with Interpol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation because of the few unscrupulous stakeholders.

    “NAFDAC collaborates with Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services to ensure that due diligence is done because over 70 per cent of the products that leave our ports get rejected. Considering the money spent on getting those products out of the country, it is a double loss for both the exporter and the country.

    ‘’Without the police, we cannot do much in terms of investigation and enforcement. We have over 80 policemen with us in NAFDAC. They help us a lot when we are doing raids or investigations as the case may be’’.

  • NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Substandard Cough Syrup In Circulation

    NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Substandard Cough Syrup In Circulation

    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has alerted Nigerians about a suspected substandard cough syrup called ‘Naturcold’ manufactured by Franken Group.

    In a press statement on its website, NAFDAC disclosed that the cough syrup was purchased from unauthorized sources because it was not authorized for marketing in Cameroon. The cough syrup is believed to have caused the deaths of six children under the age of five at a health facility in the health district of Fundong, in the North-West region of Cameroon. The North-West Region of Cameroon delegate for Public Health said the children showed a decrease in kidney function after consuming the suspected substandard cough syrup

    “Although the product is not in NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the substandard (contaminated) syrups. All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

    NAFDAC implores members of the public to desist from purchasing medicinal products from unauthorised sources such as roadside vendors and street hawkers as fake drugs are mostly smuggled into the country from neighbouring countries and distributed through such inappropriate channels.

    Anyone in possession of the above-mentioned product is advised to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. If you, or someone you know, have used these products, or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional” NAFDAC said

  • NAFDAC alerts Nigerians over circulation of fake COVID19 test kits

    NAFDAC alerts Nigerians over circulation of fake COVID19 test kits

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of counterfeit Covid-19 Antigen rapid test kits.

    The anti-drug agency raised the alarm in a NAFDAC public alert released to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to the agency, the counterfeit BTNX Incorporated COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits were communicated to NAFDAC by Health Canada. NAFDAC quoted Health Canada as saying that the fake test kits were sold online in 25-pack boxes by a distributor called Healthful Plus which had no required licence.

    NAFDAC said the packaging of the counterfeit kits resembles the authentic BTNX Inc. products in colour and typeface and uses the BTNX Incorporated. It said that the device identifier has “COV-19C25”, but also has several key differences, adding that it was labelled as manufactured by “Health Advance Inc.” instead of BTNX Inc.

    The agency stated that on the packaging Health Advance was identified as the “Official Canadian Distributor of the counterfeit products”. It pointed out that the products had a claim of endorsement by government authorities, such as Health Canada.

    The agency advised wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies and consumers to ensure that their products are obtained from authentic and reliable sources. It also encouraged healthcare providers to Increase vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale or use of counterfeit COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits.

    It advised healthcare providers to prevent the administration of the product to unsuspecting patients, adding that the products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

    NAFDAC said that anybody in possession of the counterfeit product should immediately discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest agency office.

    NAFDAC advised the public to report adverse effects via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, and e-reporting platforms www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med- safety application for download. It also advised Healthcare providers and consumers to report suspected counterfeit health products to NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of counterfeit Covid-19 Antigen rapid test kits.

    The anti-drug agency raised the alarm in a NAFDAC public alert released to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to the agency, the counterfeit BTNX Incorporated COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits were communicated to NAFDAC by Health Canada. NAFDAC quoted Health Canada as saying that the fake test kits were sold online in 25-pack boxes by a distributor called Healthful Plus which had no required licence.

    NAFDAC said the packaging of the counterfeit kits resembles the authentic BTNX Inc. products in colour and typeface and uses the BTNX Incorporated. It said that the device identifier has “COV-19C25”, but also has several key differences, adding that it was labelled as manufactured by “Health Advance Inc.” instead of BTNX Inc.

    The agency stated that on the packaging Health Advance was identified as the “Official Canadian Distributor of the counterfeit products”. It pointed out that the products had a claim of endorsement by government authorities, such as Health Canada.

    The agency advised wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies and consumers to ensure that their products are obtained from authentic and reliable sources. It also encouraged healthcare providers to Increase vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale or use of counterfeit COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits.

    It advised healthcare providers to prevent the administration of the product to unsuspecting patients, adding that the products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

    NAFDAC said that anybody in possession of the counterfeit product should immediately discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest agency office.

    NAFDAC advised the public to report adverse effects via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, and e-reporting platforms www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med- safety application for download. It also advised Healthcare providers and consumers to report suspected counterfeit health products to NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

  • NAFDAC bans alchohol in sachet, glass bottles

    NAFDAC bans alchohol in sachet, glass bottles

    National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned registration of new alcoholic drinks in Sachet, Small volume PET and Glass bottles above 30% ABV (alcohol by volume).

    In a statement in Abuja, Monday, the Director General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Christiana Adeyeye, disclosed that the ban followed the recommendation of a high powered Committee of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC on one hand, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Industry represented by Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in December, 2018.

    “In a decisive move to reduce availability and curb abuse of alcohol in the country, NAFDAC has stopped the registration of alcohol in Sachet and Small volume PET and Glass bottles below 200ml amidst other stringent regulatory measures,” the statement reiterated.

    According to the Director General, NAFDAC will ensure that validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category will not exceed year 2024.

    She explained that manufacturers of low volume alcohol beverages (200ml) with satisfactory Laboratory reports, which were already submitted to NAFDAC for registration before this decision, have been directed to reformulate their products to stipulated standards free of charge.

    According to her, Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria was also given a matching order to embark on intensive nation-wide sensitization campaigns against underage consumption of alcohol by adolescents below the age of 18 years in the bid to stem the tide of alcohol abuse in the country.

    She explained that the producers of Alcohol in Sachets and Small volume agreed to reduce production by 50% with effect from January 31, 2020 while ensuring the products are completely phased out in the country by January 31, 2024.

    “Even as we grapple with the containment of COVID-19 pandemic, NAFDAC is resolutely committed to the strict implementation of the regulations and regulatory measures towards safeguarding the Health of Nigerians particularly the vulnerable youths against the dangers of reckless consumption of Alcohol,” the NAFDAC Director, Prof. Adeyeye noted.