Despite an audio recording that has been making the rounds on social media and messaging apps, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has denied reports that it closed the “Tummy Tummy” noodles factory in Anambra State.
The organization also denied reports of an alleged ban on Maggi seasoning cubes and canned tomatoes as untrue in a disclaimer signed on Wednesday by Director-General Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye.
NAFDAC claims that the audio tape, which was first made public in October 2023, is completely misleading and incorrect.
The government reported that it inspected the Tummy Tummy noodles facility without prior notice and discovered no signs of any safety or legal violations.
Additionally, it stated that samples of four distinct noodle varieties were gathered by the inspection team and evaluated at the Agulu Laboratory, yielding positive results.
“The Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State was not sealed, despite what the tape said.
During an unplanned visit to the establishment, a NAFDAC inspection team took samples of four distinct noodle varieties and sent them to the Agulu Laboratory for analysis. With no transgressions noted, the findings were satisfactory.
The person who produced the recording made up claims that they were working with NAFDAC and that the product contained “acetyl methyl” as a preservative. This was false and deceptive. NAFDAC reaffirms that the corporation did not violate any safety or regulatory requirements and found no evidence to back up the allegations.
The agency added that it carried out an extensive investigation at the factory and market levels in 2023 after there was widespread concern regarding the presence of ethylene oxide in instant noodles. The results verified that no Nigerian-made instant noodles or spices included ethylene oxide or its derivatives.
The safety of Nigerian-made noodles was further confirmed by the discovery that mycotoxin and heavy metal levels were within globally accepted bounds.
NAFDAC also confirmed that Nigeria does not have a restriction on Maggi seasoning cubes or canned tomatoes.
The public was advised by the agency to ignore the false audio and not disseminate unconfirmed information.
The statement said, “NAFDAC is still proactive and dedicated to its mission of protecting public health by making sure that Nigerians have access to only safe, high-quality, and appropriately regulated food and drug products.”
