By Deborah Nnamdi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a public alert on the recall of Indomie Vegetable Flavour noodles due to the presence of undeclared allergens that could pose serious health risks to consumers.
In a statement released on Sunday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the affected product is not currently available for sale in Nigeria. She, however, disclosed that the agency has intensified nationwide surveillance to prevent the product from entering the country or circulating in any market.
“In light of this development, NAFDAC has undertaken some proactive measures as a responsive regulator by ensuring increased vigilance actions to guard against the possible entry of the recalled product into Nigeria,” the statement said.
According to Adeyeye, surveillance has been directed across all zones and states, with zonal directors and state coordinators mandated to seize the product if found within their jurisdictions. She added that the agency’s Ports Inspection Directorate has also been placed on heightened alert to prevent the importation of any implicated or unapproved noodle products into the country.
The statement further noted that noodles are listed on the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List, making their importation into Nigeria illegal. NAFDAC said this restriction significantly reduces the likelihood of the recalled product entering the local market, but stressed that intensified surveillance has been sustained nationwide as a precautionary measure.
Adeyeye urged consumers to remain cautious, immediately discard the recalled product if encountered, and report any suspected sale or distribution to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s toll-free line, 0800-162-3322. She also advised the public to report any adverse reactions linked to consumption via NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms on its official website.
