The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims from an audio recording circulating on social media and messaging platforms that the Agency has sealed the manufacturing facility of Tummy Tummy noodles in Anambra State.
NAFDAC also debunked claims that it has imposed a ban on tinned tomatoes and Maggi seasoning cubes across the county.
The Director-General/CEO of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement on Wednesday, disclaimed the contents of the recording and fully dissociated the Agency from it.
“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. A NAFDAC inspection team conducted an unscheduled visit to the facility, collected samples of four different noodles 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,” Prof. Adeyeye stated.
She noted that mycotoxin levels and heavy metals were within internationally acceptable limits, confirming the safety of Nigerian-made noodles.
The DG also affirmed that there is no ban on tinned tomatoes or Maggi seasoning cubes in Nigeria.
Adeyeye urged the public to disregard the misleading audio and refrain from spreading unverified content.
She reiterated the regulatory body’s commitment 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.
