Chrys
The Director-General of the
National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control, Prof Mojisola
Adeyeye, has hinted at the reasons behind banning the ‘Indomie Super Chicken’
flavour in Nigeria.
Citing fewer clinical tests,
registration and production of the flavour in the country, Adeyeye said the
agency has commenced sampling and analysis of other Indomie noodles flavours
including their seasonings for the presence of ethylene oxide.
She assured Nigerians of a
thorough investigation of the products both at factory and market levels.
In a statement made available
signed by the agency on Tuesday and made available to newsmen, Adeyeye claimed
that the outcome of the sampling and analysis of the products would be made
public.
It partly read, “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.
“The Management of the National Agency for
Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC is aware of the recall 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.
“NAFDAC, as a responsible and
responsive regulator, is taking swift actions to carry out random sampling and
analysis of Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) for the presence of
ethylene oxide, as well as extending the investigation to other brands of
instant noodles offered for sale to Nigerians.
“We use this medium to assure the
public that a thorough investigation of the products will be conducted both at
the factory and market levels and our findings will be communicated.
The public is also hereby
informed that the implicated Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’
is not registered by NAFDAC for sale in Nigeria.
She however said it is important
to mention that noodles are on the Import Prohibition List of the Federal
Government of Nigeria and are therefore not permitted for importation to
Nigeria.
