By Udesinanna Stephen
The Management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said it is carrying out investigation on ‘Indomie instant noodles special Chicken Flavor’ on account of Ministries of Health in Malaysia and Taiwan allegations that there is presence of ethylene oxide, in the product, a compound associated with an increased risk of cancer.
This was disclosed today in a press statement signed by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye and published on the official Twitter handle of the Agency, @NafdacAgency.
According to Adeyeye the investigation of the products will be conducted both at the factory and market levels and investigations will be extend to other brands of instant noodles offered for
sale to Nigerians.
Adeyeye said NAFDAC is “aware of the recalls of Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken
Flavour’ by the Ministries of Health in Malaysia and Taiwan on account of the alleged presence of ethylene oxide, a compound associated with an increased risk of cancer.”
According to the DG, the implicated Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ is not
registered by NAFDAC for sales in Nigeria. “It is important to
mention that noodles are on the Import Prohibition List of the
Federal Government of Nigeria and is therefore not permitted
for importation to Nigeria.
Hence, she said, “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 following a strict
regulatory regime covering all aspects of Good Manufacturing
Practice (GMP).
“The Ports Inspection Directorate (PID) is also on heightened alert to guard against importation of the
implicated product into Nigeria.
NAFDAC wishes to re-assure the public that the Agency is proactive and remains alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public.” She added.