NAFDAC Urges Food Companies to Properly Dispose of Expired Goods to Protect Consumers
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to food manufacturing companies regarding the proper disposal of expired goods. The agency has indicated that it will no longer accept poorly destroyed or stolen products that find their way back into the market through scavengers at waste dump sites. NAFDAC has emphasized that these expired products pose a significant health risk to consumers, particularly children. To address this issue, the agency has stressed that companies failing to dispose of expired goods appropriately may face severe sanctions.
During a recent engagement with food sector operators in Lagos, Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, emphasized the importance of NAFDAC’s verification in guaranteeing the safety of food products. Adeyeye condemned the practice of patronizing unbranded cereals in the open market, stating that uncertified products without NAFDAC registration or marketing authorization cannot be deemed safe for consumption. She highlighted the dangers associated with unbranded food products, as their source, expiry date, and safety cannot be traced or ensured.
In a bid to tackle this issue, NAFDAC conducted investigations and enforcement activities on unbranded cereals, leading to the arrest of individuals involved in online sales in Onitsha. Astonishingly, despite the inherent risks, it was discovered during the investigation that some consumers preferred to purchase unbranded cereals. Adeyeye explained that even the smallest packages of cereals were sold in bulk after being removed from their original packaging materials. Additionally, some cereals were picked up from dump sites, revealing the complicity of certain industries in this harmful practice.
NAFDAC’s investigation further uncovered the storage of N3 billion worth of counterfeit drugs and children’s cereals in two warehouses at Lagos’ Trade Fair Complex. These products had been sourced from dump sites, highlighting the need for improved disposal methods by companies to prevent their products from falling into the wrong hands.
To address these issues, NAFDAC has called for increased vigilance among consumers and advised them to purchase food products only from reputable sources. The agency has urged food manufacturing companies to establish Post Market Surveillance units within their operations. This measure would enable companies to track and address any product adulteration or tampering promptly. Adeyeye stressed that failure to establish such units could result in the non-renewal of product certifications.
In conclusion, NAFDAC’s warning to food manufacturing companies regarding the proper disposal of expired products underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring consumer safety. By working together with industry stakeholders and consumers, NAFDAC aims to eliminate the risks associated with unbranded food products and hold companies accountable for their disposal practices. It is crucial for both businesses and individuals to prioritize food safety and make informed choices when purchasing food products.
