The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recently sealed a warehouse in Kaduna for storing expired food and cosmetic products valued at over N75 million.
The agency announced the development on its official X handle, identifying the warehouse’s location as PP2A Bayajidda Street by Kano Road, New Ogbomosho Road. The operation was prompted by a tip-off from a concerned citizen, leading to a raid by NAFDAC enforcement officers.
During the operation, workers were caught repackaging expired biscuits into sacks. Other expired items, including dairy milk, vegetable oil, soft drinks, and detergents, were also uncovered, underscoring the severity of the malpractice.
The warehouse’s managing director was apprehended for interrogation. NAFDAC assured the public that strict regulatory actions would follow the investigation to deter others from engaging in similar illegal practices.
The agency encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities or products to the nearest NAFDAC office, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in ensuring safety standards.
In a related development, NAFDAC recently shut down a pharmacy on Onitsha Crescent, Area 11 – Garki, Abuja, for selling expired and unregistered drugs. Among the discoveries were expired products worth over N7 million, including “H-Pylori” test kits, which pose significant health risks. The pharmacy’s Managing Director and Superintendent Pharmacist were arrested as part of the investigation.
Since November 2024, NAFDAC has established comprehensive guidelines for the handling and disposal of unwholesome products. These include food, medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics. The agency has reiterated that no regulated product can be manufactured, imported, exported, sold, or used in Nigeria without proper registration.
Unwholesome products, as defined by NAFDAC, include items that are expired, counterfeit, substandard, improperly stored, incorrectly labeled, or unauthorized. Facilities are required to maintain an inventory of such products and follow disposal guidelines to ensure compliance.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has emphasized the agency’s commitment to upholding safety and quality standards. She highlighted that enforcing best practices, ensuring supply chain integrity, and monitoring regulated products remain core pillars in safeguarding public health and fulfilling NAFDAC’s mandate.
Through these efforts, NAFDAC continues to prioritize the health and well-being of Nigerians while sending a strong message to perpetrators of such illicit activities.