LAGOS, Nigeria – The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has emphasised its long-standing ban on imported Indomie noodles in Nigeria, asserting that the popular instant meal is among the items on the government’s list of prohibited goods.
NAFDAC’s director-general, Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed this in a statement issued on Monday, May 1, 2023. She specified that imports are strictly forbidden while Indomie noodles manufactured within the country have the agency’s approval.
“For many years, Indomie noodles have been banned from being imported into the country,” Prof. Adeyeye clarified. “They are not allowed in Nigeria, and therefore are not registered by NAFDAC.”
The assertion comes on the heels of recent news about recalls of Indomie noodles in Taiwan and Malaysia. Prof. Adeyeye said NAFDAC has taken prompt action to investigate and respond to the issue.
“Starting on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, NAFDAC’s Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate will take random samples of Indomie noodles, including the seasoning, from production facilities,” she announced. “Meanwhile, the Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate will acquire samples from the market.”
The Director-General further stated that the agency’s primary concern is the potential presence of ethylene oxide, a compound used in various industrial processes, including sterilization of food and medical equipment. To assist with the investigation, the Director of Food Lab Services Directorate has been commissioned to develop an analysis methodology.
Prof. Adeyeye referred to the investigation as an additional precaution to ensure that the product is not clandestinely smuggled into the country. She also expressed the agency’s intention to scrutinize the spices used in the production of Indomie and other noodles within Nigeria.
“This week, NAFDAC’s Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and Post Marketing Surveillance teams will be testing at the production facilities and in the market,” she said. “We aim to ensure that our people are safe from potentially harmful substances.”
She concluded her statement by promising that the public will be kept informed about the investigation findings, reinforcing NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s food safety standards.
