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

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and senior Christian clerics have sounded an urgent warning about the circulation of counterfeit Goya oil in Nigeria, raising concerns over public health and safety.

The Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy said churches lack the capacity to identify fake or adulterated anointing oil and urged NAFDAC to strengthen enforcement efforts to protect worshippers and consumers.

The warning follows the recent discovery by NAFDAC officials of an illegal factory producing fake Goya oil in the Oke-Arin market area of Idumota, Lagos State. The counterfeit product, often sold in plastic (PET) bottles, was found to be mixed with burnt palm oil and colouring agents before being repackaged to resemble the genuine brand.

Goya oil, widely used both as a premium edible oil and as anointing oil in churches for prayers, healing and spiritual protection, has become a target for counterfeiters capitalising on its popularity among Nigerians.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the International Secretary of the clerical body, Osazee William, commended NAFDAC’s operation, describing the discovery as “timely and commendable.” He emphasised that churches cannot be expected to detect counterfeit products brought to them, saying it is the responsibility of regulatory agencies to safeguard the public against unsafe products.

NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Martins Iluyomade, reiterated that Goya oil sold in PET plastic bottles is fake and unlicensed, adding that the only legitimate product is imported in original bottles by authorised dealers. He disclosed that the agency recovered equipment, stoves and empty bottles at the illegal production site.

Iluyomade warned that many Nigerians may be unknowingly using the harmful, counterfeit product and urged religious organisations to stop the sale of PET-bottled Goya oil during gatherings. He also appealed to the public to report suspected counterfeiting activities to the nearest NAFDAC office and advised that offenders would be prosecuted.

In related enforcement actions, NAFDAC also arrested a suspect, identified as Moses Nelson, in connection with the distribution of adulterated and counterfeit alcoholic drinks. Empty exotic alcohol bottles, sachets and PET-bottled alcoholic products were recovered from his residence in Badagry, Lagos State.

The agency reiterated its commitment to pursuing counterfeiters endangering Nigerians’ health for quick profit and urged citizens to remain vigilant against substandard and falsified products.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered the recall of Indomie Noodles, Vegetable Flavour, citing the presence of undeclared allergens that pose potential health risks to consumers.
NAFDAC disclosed that the affected product contains milk and eggs, which were not declared on the product label, thereby exposing consumers with allergies or intolerances to serious health complications.
The agency made this known in a public statement on Saturday, following a recall notice issued by the French food safety authority, Rappel Conso, concerning the Indomie Vegetable Flavour noodles.
According to NAFDAC, the undeclared allergens “may pose a significant health risk to consumers who are allergic or intolerant to milk and eggs.”
It explained that although the likelihood of the recalled product entering Nigeria remains low due to the Federal Government’s ban on the importation of noodles, there is still a need for heightened vigilance to prevent possible illegal entry or circulation of the affected brand.
“NAFDAC is informing the public that the French authority (Rappel Conso) has issued a notice regarding the recall of the Indomie brand Noodles, Vegetable Flavour,” the statement read.
“This recall is due to the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically milk and eggs, which may pose a significant health risk to consumers with allergies or intolerances.”
The agency added that it has commenced vigilance and surveillance actions nationwide to guard against the possible entry of the recalled product, noting that acquisition through online purchases or international travel cannot be completely ruled out.
NAFDAC therefore urged distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution across the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, or consumption of the recalled Indomie Vegetable Flavour noodles.
“Consumers are advised to discard the product and not consume it,” the agency said.
It also encouraged members of the public to report any suspected sale or presence of the affected product to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its consumer complaint line 0800-162-3322.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health, noting that counterfeit and substandard products remain a major concern in Nigeria, often resulting in illness and other health challenges for unsuspecting consumers.
The agency has continued to issue public safety alerts and recalls on products deemed dangerous to the well-being of Nigerians as part of its regulatory mandate.