In Nigeria, there are numerous unregistered food products that pose potential threats to public health.
Recently, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) conducted a crackdown in Rivers State, shutting down 10 unregistered bakeries and eight table water factories in the Bonny Local Government Area.
According to a statement by Mr. Cyril Monye, NAFDAC’s Public Relations Officer for the South-South Zone, the operation aimed to eliminate fake and unwholesome products. The three-day operation, assisted by law enforcement, targeted facilities operating in unhygienic environments, in addition to using names of popular brand in Port Harcourt.
NAFDAC Director for the South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbo, highlighted the necessity of the crackdown, citing investigations, surveillance, and consumer complaints of the bakeries operating in substandard facilities, lacking proper equipment and hygiene standards.
Oligbo emphasized the importance of product registration and compliance with NAFDAC regulations. He noted instances of expired licenses and unauthorized relocations, urging offenders to utilize the waiver for license renewal provided by the agency.
The operation extended across Finima and Bonny, encompassing pharmacies and supermarkets, where violations such as unregistered products and unsafe storage of injections were uncovered. NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to guiding producers toward compliance while warning that consequences awaits those who flout regulations.
