The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed unwholesome, banned, fake and adulterated products worth N8 billion confiscated in the North Central Zone. The destruction exercise was carried out in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as part of NAFDAC's efforts to rid the region of hazardous products. The products were seized during NAFDAC's operations in the zone. NAFDAC's action aims to protect public health.
The destroyed products were predominantly banned alcoholic beverages in low volumes of less than 200ml (20cl). According to NAFDAC, these products are major contributors to abuse and addiction among Nigerians, especially youths and underage school children. Research has shown that early exposure to alcohol affects the brain and other vital organs, leading to mental retardation, brain damage, and poor performance in school.
NAFDAC's Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that the agency banned the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles below 200ml due to their adverse effects. The ban led to the raid and confiscation of these products from manufacturing outfits, sales outlets, markets, and motor parks. Other products destroyed include expired, fake, and unwholesome food, drugs, and cosmetics.
NAFDAC has the mandate to protect and promote public health by ensuring that only quality, safe, and efficacious products are manufactured, imported, distributed, advertised, or used in Nigeria. To achieve this, the agency conducts inspections, investigations, enforcement, product registration, and laboratory analysis. NAFDAC's efforts aim to safeguard the health of Nigerians.
The destruction exercise was attended by Joseph Edor, Deputy Director in charge of North Central Zone, who represented Adeyeye. The event had the presence of other law enforcement organizations, sister agencies, associations, and stakeholders. NAFDAC appreciated their collaboration, especially in intelligence sharing and security cover during operations.
The North Central Zone destruction of NAFDAC-regulated products is part of the agency's continuous efforts to eliminate hazardous products from the market. NAFDAC's actions have contributed significantly to reducing the circulation of fake and unwholesome products in Nigeria. The agency remains committed to protecting public health.
NAFDAC's operations in the North Central Zone have resulted in the confiscation and destruction of large quantities of hazardous products. The agency's efforts have also raised awareness about the dangers of fake and unwholesome products. By working with stakeholders, NAFDAC aims to create a safer environment for Nigerians.
Key points
- NAFDAC destroys N8 billion worth of fake and unwholesome products in North Central Zone
- The destroyed products were predominantly banned alcoholic beverages in low volumes
- NAFDAC aims to protect public health by ensuring only quality products are manufactured and used in Nigeria
