The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has clarified that the recalled Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour by the French authority, Rappel Conso of France, due to the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically milk and eggs, did not originate from Nigeria.

NAFDAC, in a statement signed on Sunday by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, also said the product is not on sale in Nigeria, adding that surveillance has been directed across all zones and states to mop up the product if found in any jurisdiction.

The clarification followed public concern after news of the product recall surfaced online.

Recall that in 2023, Indomie Special Chicken Flavour was also implicated in an international food safety alert following concerns raised by health authorities in Taiwan and Malaysia.

At the time, NAFDAC ordered investigations and assured the public that all noodles produced in Nigeria were safe for consumption.

The Sunday statement noted, ”The management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is aware of 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, NAFDAC 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.

“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.”

It added that Indomie Instant Noodles products, as well as other noodle brands registered by NAFDAC for sale in the Nigerian market, are manufactured locally in Nigeria and are only granted registration after a strict regulatory regime covering all aspects of Good Manufacturing Practice.

The agency noted that Its Ports Inspection Directorate had also been placed on heightened alert to guard against the importation of the implicated product into the country.

“Consumers are strongly advised to exercise caution, discard the recalled product if found, and report any suspicion of its sale or distribution to the nearest NAFDAC office or call 0800-162-3322. Adverse events or side effects related to consumption should be reported via NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms available on www.nafdac.gov.ng.

“NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the agency is proactive and remains alive to its responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public, including Nigerians who may travel abroad or purchase products online. NAFDAC—safeguarding the health of the nation,” the statement added. (Sunday PUNCH)

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