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NAFDAC

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Fake cowbell milk now in circulation – NAFDAC warns

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday warned Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in the market.

In an alert posted on its website, the agency disclosed that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the manufacturer and marketing authorisation holder of Cowbell “Our Milk,” reported the existence of fake products closely resembling the genuine brand.

According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit versions unlawfully carry the Cowbell brand name, packaging design, NAFDAC registration number, and trademark.

The company confirmed that the packaging design used by the counterfeiters was last adopted by Promasidor in September 2023.

NAFDAC advised consumers to note key differences: the authentic Cowbell milk is creamy; the packaging now carries the revised PNG artwork “Our Creamy Goodness”; batch details are laser-printed; coding is done within a specific coding area on the sachet; and the sealing and cutting on the vertical sides are automated.

NAFDAC has warned that the counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet milk does not resemble real milk and carries several telltale signs of fakery. The packaging uses the old PNG artwork “Our Milk,” batch details are printed with ink instead of laser, coding appears outside the designated area, and the vertical seals and cuts are manually done.

The agency cautioned that consuming the fake product poses serious health and safety risks.

“Such products may contain harmful substances, including toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that fail to meet food safety standards.

NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove the counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachets from circulation.

Distributors, retailers, and consumers were further urged to exercise caution within the supply chain, source food products only from licensed suppliers, and carefully verify the authenticity and physical condition of products before purchase.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of sale of substandard and counterfeit food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng

“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of counterfeited food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng,” it said.

 

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Health Safety: NAFDAC shut down over 40 illegal Sachet Water Factory in FCT

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a crackdown on the illegal production of sachet water also known as ‘pure water’ in the Federal Capital Territory.

The crackdown on the illegal production of water by NAFDAC began in Dutse Alhaji and Dawaki areas of the FCT on Tuesday, March 4, with the agency shutting down some companies.

It was gathered that several water production facilities were shut down by operatives of the agency over various issues of compliance including unsafe environments, use substandard equipment, and the failure to meet regulatory standards.

Speaking on the process, Kenneth Azikiwe, the FCT directorate for NAFDAC said over 40 water factories have been shut down in the FCT since the crackdown on illegal water production companies started.

He said, “This directive comes amid rising concerns over producers using substandard materials, stamping products with unauthorised identification numbers, and operating in unsafe conditions,” he stated.

Giving more insight into the process, Azikiwe said 14 bakeries have also been closed down in places like Mararaba, Nyanya, Gwagwalada and Zuba areas of the FCT due to some issues with safety regulations.

“This operation required strong synergy and collective commitment to tracking down individuals involved in the illegal manufacturing and distribution of substandard products,” Azikiwe state.

Also urging Nigerians to remain vigilant in the purchase of their consumables, Azikiwe said that NAFDAC is working with security agencies to ensure the health safety of citizens.

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BREAKING: NAFDAC staff commence indefinite nationwide strike

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Staff of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the agency’s management.

This is coming after a meeting convened on Friday, October 4, 2024 over unresolved issues.

The staff’s demands include a review and re-evaluation of the 2024 promotion examination results, which currently show a pass rate of only 35 percent.

The union is also advocating for a minimum benchmark of 80 percent for this year’s and future promotion exams.

Another significant demand is the settlement of salary arrears for employees hired in 2022.

In a statement signed by the association’s Secretary, Ejor Michael, the union accused NAFDAC management of neglecting their grievances, labelling the inaction as insufferable.

The striking workers, following the directive of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), have been instructed to withdraw all services and vacate their offices.

They were also told to remove personal belongings as the strike commences.

The workers have vowed to continue the strike until all demands listed in their communiqué are fulfilled.

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Headlines

NAFDAC destroys fake products worth N43bn in Oyo

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Fake products valued at ₦43 billion were on Thursday, destroyed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The products included falsified drugs, medical devices, and other unwholesome regulated products.

The destruction of the products took place at a dumpsite in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.

According to the NAFDAC DG, who was represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Shabba Mohammed, disclosed that the counterfeit products were voluntarily handed over to the agency by compliant companies, non-governmental organisations, and trade unions.

While presenting a breakdown of the seized products, the NAFDAC said that several raids were carried out at various locations, the results of which was confiscation of both unregistered and registered pharmaceutical items.

She stated, “The confiscated products include aphrodisiacs, sex enhancement drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and prescription-only medications.

“More than 30 types of products were seized in total. These included banned Codeine substances, narcotic drugs, antimalarials, aphrodisiacs, analgesics, and antibiotics worth over ₦48 million, all confiscated from drug hawkers.

“NAFDAC also gathered intelligence on the illegal warehousing, sale, and distribution of Schedule One narcotics by certain pharmaceutical vendors in Lagos and other locations across the country.

“The Investigation and Enforcement Directorate raided several pharmaceutical warehouses and premises nationwide, seizing products worth over ₦700 million.”

The NAFDAC boss further explained that additional items for destruction were mopped up from circulation during raids by the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.

“These included illicit and unregistered pharmaceutical products such as Codeine syrup, expired Tramadol, aphrodisiacs, antimalarials, and other drugs.

“Other confiscated items included contraband soaps, tomato paste, unregistered and counterfeit drinks, food products, perfumes, and body sprays.”

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Headlines

“Beware of fake Milo in circulation”, NAFDAC Warns Nigerians

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

….. begins mop up in bauchi

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC in Bauchi State has commenced a three-day exercise in markets to mop up fake Milo chocolate drinks in circulation.

The State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Kamai made this known on Wednesday in Bauchi.

“The NAFDAC office began the inspections in markets and superstores to get rid of the fake Milo in circulation following a directive from the Headquarters.

“This exercise will last for three days starting Tuesday,” he said.

According to Kumai, the agency has scheduled a date within the week to engage the leadership of the association of Agro chemical dealers on the dangers of chemicals on foods.

“In Bauchi, we will engage the dealers of Agro chemicals against the use of Dictholoruvis and Paraquat chemicals to store food as we approach the harvest period.

“These are dangerous chemicals that have been banned over time,” he added.

Kamai called the attention of Bakers and packaged water producers to renew their licenses within the stipulated two-year timeline.

He said failure to renew the operational licenses could result in penalties that might affect business operations.

Kamai urged small and medium enterprises to register their products with NAFDAC to assimilate their products into Nigerian markets.

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FG Warns Against Patronizing Concoction Hawkers

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has again warned Nigerians against patronising hawkers of herbal concoctions because the medicines lacked storage standards.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, gave the warning during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

The NAFDAC boss said that any drug being hawked on the streets or in buses should be avoided because of the uncertainty of its source.

“For the liquid herbal concoctions, especially after four or five days, it starts growing bacteria.

Read Also: Nigeria Destroys Over 1 Million Doses Of Expired Astrazeneca Vaccines

“Even if the herbal concoction has some medicinal properties, the bacteria will kill the person first that is taking it,” she said.

Adeyeye, however, said some of the herbal medicines work but consumers must ensure that they had passed NAFDAC’s safety and efficacy tests.

“Many of our herbal medicines work but we have to do a lot of research to show how they work, at what level are we supposed to be taking them so that it will not get to the toxicity level.

The DG particularly cautioned against the use of performance-enhancing drugs because of the danger it poses for many unsuspecting men.

“Many men have died using performance-enhancing drugs because if they use them and they have heart problems or have ‘X’ type of ailment, it can easily kill,” she said.

Adeyeye said the agency would continue to use the multifaceted approach it adopted, including strengthening the pharmaceutical industries, to ensure that the citizenry was protected from fake, substandard or contaminated foods and drugs. (NAN)

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FG Takes COVID-19 Vaccination Exercise To Churches

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The federal government on Tuesday announced its plan to take COVID-19 vaccination exercise to churches.

The Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Faisal Shuaib stated this during a meeting with the leaders of Christain Association of Nigeria in Abuja.

According to him, Christian leaders across the country have been formidable pillars of support in all primary health care interventions.

“I am aware that in the States and LGAs, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria are strong and committed members of the State and LGA Task Forces on Immunization.

Read Also: COVID-19: Nigerians risk sanctions for refusing vaccine – FG

“These ambassadors have contributed immensely to confidence building and trust in Government led public health programs, especially in the days of the Nigeria polio eradication program when we were battling with high rate of refusals to vaccination due to rumours and misinformation.

“I am glad to inform you that from this Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out, we have introduced Sunday Vaccination,” he said.

He added that, working with the state governments, arrangement have been made for corporate vaccination.

“This is for eligible staff of Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Private/corporate organizations, including Faith-based organizations, their family members, dependants, and retirees to be vaccinated at their convenience. Please visit www.nphcda.gov.ng to access the registration portal,” he said.

In his remarks, the Executive Director of Nigerian Interfaith Action Association, Sunday Onuoha called on Christian leaders to partner with the government in promoting acceptance of the vaccine.

He noted that faith leaders were in position to address misinformation while enhancing public health impact.

“We are here because we know that faith leaders have the capacity and authority to effect a change of mind and drive acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.

“The Church, and all faith community will partner with the federal government to make Nigerians smile, we succeeded with polio, malaria and we will succeed in this time of COVID-19,” he said.

Similarly, the Minister of state for health, Mamora Olorunnimbe urged the christian leaders to mobilize its members for vaccination.

He said that the only way Nigerians can reciprocate the efforts of the government in securing the health of the populace was to access the vaccines provided.

“The highly dreaded delta variants is here with us, hence we must mobilize our congregation to quickly take the vaccines, so that the government can get more.

“The vaccine are effective and safe, they have been certified by the world health organisation and NAFDAC.

“You all have the responsibility as leaders to protect the lives of your followers,” he said.

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7-UP
Investigation

Group calls for closure of 7-Up factory in Abuja and sack of top NAFDAC officers over safety concerns

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A Non-governmental Organization, Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative TADI, has called on the Federal Government and the anti-corruption agencies to sack, probe and possibly prosecute top officers of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration Control, NAFDAC over what it terms selves over national safety by the officers of NAFDAC.  The group alleged that NAFDAC officials have compromised the safety of Nigerians by failing to wade into the safety and unhygienic dispositions of 7-Up Bottling Company Abuja, despite several petitions to that effect.  

In a Press Release by TADI, through its Executive Director Ambassador Yomi David which was exclusively obtained by LeadingReporters, the group asserted that basic cleanliness is an absolute necessity for a people to lead healthy lifestyles.  But when this safety is thrown to the winds by the organisations that should place safety and good hygiene in the front burner, infections, diseases and deaths become the lot of the people, especially the consumers of those compromised products. 

“In recent times, record has shown that due to lack of proper hygiene and clean environment, the world has lost over two million people in the second quarter of year 2020.  Mostly affected are Children 70%, Women 20% and Men 10%.

“We are calling on the Federal Government to sack the principal officers of NAFDAC, due to lack of regular and detailed assessment on the manufacturing companies like 7-up bottling company and their facilities, lack of disciplinary action on offenders among other unpatriotic negligence exhibited by NAFDAC officials.

“Instead of carrying out their duties patriotically, money has become another god that veils the conscience of these government officers and this has put the lives of countless Nigerians in danger who consume the product of these companies that care less about the wellbeing of Nigerians. 

“Our investigations showed that these officials have abandoned due diligence for pecuniary gains at the detriment of the health and well- being of Nigerians who consume Seven UP products.

“Therefore, the Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative uses this medium to call for the closure of Seven –UP Bottling Company Ltd, our investigation has found to be culpable. 

As a civil society, we believe that the health of fellow Nigerians is paramount, hence, the need for seven Up to sit up and begin to right all the wrongs by immediately upgrading its facilities and improving the environment in other to prevent further danger to the health and lives of Nigerians. 

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