The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims that it shut down the manufacturing facility of Tummy Tummy noodles in Anambra State and imposed a ban on tinned tomatoes and Maggi seasoning cubes.
This is according to a statement signed by the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye on Wednesday.
TheFact Daily gathered that an audio recording recirculating on social media and messaging platforms, had alleged that the Agency shut down the manufacturing facility of the said product and imposed a ban on the others.
In response, the DG said, “NAFDAC categorically disclaims the contents of this recording and dissociates herself from it in its entirety. The same audio first surfaced in October 2023 and was thoroughly investigated at that time. Contrary to the claims made in the recording, the Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State was not sealed”.
She explained that, a NAFDAC inspection team conducted an unscheduled visit to the facility, collected samples of four different noodle variants, and submitted them to the Agulu Laboratory for evaluation. The results returned satisfactory, with no infractions recorded.
“The individual who created the audio falsely claimed to be acting in collaboration with NAFDAC and alleged the presence of acetyl methyl as a preservative in the product. This was unfounded and misleading. NAFDAC found no evidence to support the claims and reiterates that the company was not in violation of any safety or regulatory standards.
“Furthermore, following widespread concern in 2023 about the presence of ethylene oxide in instant noodles, NAFDAC conducted a comprehensive investigation at both factory and market levels. Findings confirmed that ethylene oxide or its derivative was NOT present in any instant noodles or seasonings produced in Nigeria. Additionally, mycotoxin levels and heavy metals were within internationally acceptable limits, confirming the safety of Nigerian-made noodles”, she said.
In addition, the agency affirmed that there was no ban on tinned tomatoes or Maggi seasoning cubes in Nigeria and
urged the public to disregard the misleading audio and refrain from spreading unverified content.
“NAFDAC remains proactive and committed to its mandate of safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and properly regulated food and drug products are available to Nigerians”, the statement concluded.
