NAFDAC bans Indomie Noodles

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has banned the importation of Indomie noodles into Nigeria due to allegations that the product contains a cancer-causing chemical called ethylene oxide.

Topnaija reports that the product has not been registered by the agency, and health officials in Malaysia and Taiwan have detected the compound in Indomie’s “special chicken” flavor noodles.

Ethylene oxide is a colorless and odorless gas used for sterilizing medical devices and spices, but it is known to be carcinogenic. Malaysia’s Ministry of Health found ethylene oxide in 11 out of 36 samples of instant noodles from various brands and has since recalled the product.

In response to these developments, the director-general of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that the agency would begin random sample tests of noodles and other brands from May 2.

She explained that NAFDAC began investigating after Taiwan and Malaysia authorities recalled the products.

The product has been banned from importation into Nigeria for several years, and it is on the federal government’s prohibition list.

NAFDAC will randomly sample Indomie noodles, including the seasoning, from production facilities, while the post-marketing surveillance directorate will sample from the markets.

The compound of interest is ethylene oxide, and the director of the food lab services directorate is working on the analysis methodology.

The presence of ethylene oxide in Indomie noodles is concerning, as it is a known carcinogen.

The ban on the importation of the product into Nigeria is necessary to protect consumers’ health and safety.

NAFDAC’s decision to conduct random sample tests on noodles and other brands is a proactive measure to ensure that carcinogens are not present in food products sold in the country.

Consumers should be cautious when purchasing instant noodles and other food products, especially those imported from other countries.

It is essential to check if the product is registered by NAFDAC and if it contains any harmful substances.