The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned against the importation, sale and distribution of certain regulated food items that have been placed on the Federal Government’s Customs Prohibition List for safety and other considerations.

The warning is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director-General of the Agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

NAFDAC listed the affected products as pasta, noodles, sugar and tomato paste, noting that they are not permitted for importation into the country.

It said the agency had observed an increasing trend of smuggling, sale and distribution of these prohibited items in markets nationwide.

According to the statement, “the affected products are expressly listed on the Federal Government’s Customs Prohibition List and are therefore not allowed into the country.”

It added that the circulation of such items contravenes national trade regulations, undermines the integrity of the country’s food control system and poses significant risks to public health, as they have not undergone NAFDAC’s mandatory safety evaluation and quality assurance checks.

The agency directed all importers, supermarket operators, open market traders and other stakeholders in the food supply chain to immediately cease the importation, sale and distribution of products listed on the Customs Prohibition List.

It also advised stakeholders to ensure full compliance with NAFDAC regulations and to immediately notify their supply chain partners to discontinue all transactions involving the prohibited items.

“Failure to comply will attract strict enforcement actions, including seizure and destruction of prohibited goods, suspension or revocation of operational licences and prosecution in accordance with relevant laws,” the statement warned.

To strengthen enforcement, NAFDAC called for collaboration with other federal agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Shippers Council, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service.

The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring strict adherence to food safety and regulatory standards.

It urged stakeholders to cooperate fully with its enforcement efforts and directed the public to contact its Post-Marketing Surveillance Division through the official communication channels for further enquiries.