Deadly Instant Noodles: NAFDAC extends probe to other brands

In a bid to address concerns surrounding the safety of Indomie Instant Noodles, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria has taken action against the product flagged as carcinogenic by the Malaysian and Taiwanese governments.

NAFDAC firmly stated that locally produced brands of the noodles do not include the “Special Chicken Flavour” under scrutiny, and its importation has already been banned for several years. Despite the fear that some unscrupulous individuals may attempt to smuggle the product into the country, NAFDAC remains committed to upholding its responsibility of safeguarding public health.

To reinforce their dedication, NAFDAC’s Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Department, along with the Post Marketing Surveillance team, is conducting inspections and market surveillance this week, not only at the production facilities but also within the market, to ensure the safety of the spices used in Indomie and other noodles in Nigeria.

The agency has received backing from four medical experts, who have affirmed that there is no reason for Nigerians to distrust NAFDAC. These experts, including a Professor of Public Health and the Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research, have commended NAFDAC’s track record in regulating exported products and certifying their quality.

NAFDAC’s vigilance in protecting the nation from cancer-causing agents has been acknowledged, with the Nigerian Cancer Society offering to collaborate further to ensure Nigerians are safe. Furthermore, NAFDAC has called for calm and advised the public to rely on official channels, such as NAFDAC and NICRAT, for accurate information, rather than social media speculation.

In response to the ongoing investigations, the manufacturer of Indomie instant noodles in Nigeria, Dufil Prima Foods, has reassured Nigerians that there is no potentially cancer-causing substance in their locally produced Indomie instant noodles. They emphasized their adherence to strict international manufacturing procedures audited by government regulatory authorities.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated the safety of Indomie noodles and other registered noodle brands in the Nigerian market, assuring the public that investigations would extend to other instant noodle brands available for sale. She confirmed that thorough inspections would be conducted at both the manufacturing facilities and the market, with updates to be provided based on the findings.

While health officials in Malaysia and Taiwan recalled the implicated “special chicken” flavor noodles due to the detection of the compound ethylene oxide, NAFDAC and NICRAT have thoroughly reviewed the chemical, underscoring its potential health risks. The maker of the Indomie flavor, Indofood, denied the allegations, claiming its noodles are produced with standard certification and comply with food safety regulations.

Amidst the investigation, NAFDAC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of Nigerians, working diligently to dispel any doubts surrounding the safety of locally produced Indomie noodles.