The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has denied claims that it shut down the Tummy Tummy noodles manufacturing facility in Anambra state and imposed a ban on tinned tomatoes and Maggi seasoning cubes.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by Mojisola Adeyeye, its director-general, the agency said the claims were made in a circulating audio message on social media.
The agency described the viral audio as false and misleading, adding that it had no connection with the individual who made the recording.
NAFDAC said the audio, which surfaced initially in October 2023 and has recently resurfaced online, alleged that the agency sealed the Tummy Tummy facility due to safety violations and claimed the presence of acetyl methyl, a harmful preservative, in the product.
The agency said a thorough investigation was conducted at the time, with an inspection team from the agency making an unannounced visit to the facility, collecting samples of four noodle variants, and submitting them for testing at the Agulu Laboratory.
“NAFDAC found no evidence to support the claims and reiterates that the company was not in violation of any safety or regulatory standards,” the statement reads.
“Furthermore, following widespread concern in 2023 about the presence of ethylene oxide in instant noodles, NAFDAC conducted a comprehensive investigation at both factory and market levels.
“Findings confirmed that ethylene oxide or its derivative was NOT present in any instant noodles or seasonings produced in Nigeria. Additionally, mycotoxin levels and heavy metals were within internationally acceptable limits, confirming the safety of Nigerian-made noodles.”
The agency further clarified that it has not placed any ban on tinned tomatoes or Maggi seasoning cubes.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to ignore the circulating audio and warned against the spread of unverified information.
“We urge the public to disregard the misleading audio and refrain from spreading unverified content,” the statement reads.
“NAFDAC remains proactive and committed to its mandate of safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and properly regulated food and drug products are available to Nigerians.”
(Cable)