In contrast to an audio recording that has been making the rounds on social media and messaging apps, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted rumors that it closed the “Tummy Tummy” noodles factory in Anambra State.
The agency also denied reports of an alleged restriction on Maggi seasoning cubes and canned tomatoes as untrue in a disclaimer signed on Wednesday by Director-General Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye.
NAFDAC claims the audio recording, which was first made public in October 2023, is completely misleading and untrue.
According to the agency, it inspected the Tummy Tummy noodles facility without prior notice and saw no signs of any safety or legal violations.
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It further stated that samples of four distinct noodle varieties were gathered by the inspection team and examined at the Agulu Laboratory, yielding positive results.
“The Tummy Tummy Noodles facility in Anambra State was not sealed, despite what the recording claimed.
During an impromptu visit to the establishment, a NAFDAC inspection team took samples of four distinct noodle varieties and sent them to the Agulu Laboratory for analysis. No transgressions were found, and the results were satisfactory.
Falsely claiming to be working with NAFDAC, the person who produced the recording also stated that the product contained “acetyl methyl” as a preservative. This was false and deceptive. NAFDAC reaffirms that the business did not violate any safety or regulatory requirements and found no evidence to back up the allegations.
The agency added that it carried out a thorough study at the factory and market levels after there was widespread concern in 2023 regarding the presence of ethylene oxide in instant noodles. Results verified that no Nigerian-made instant noodles or spices contained ethylene oxide or its derivatives.
Furthermore, mycotoxin and heavy metal levels were determined to be within globally permissible bounds, indicating that Nigerian-made noodles are safe.
Additionally, NAFDAC confirmed that canned tomatoes and Maggi spice cubes are not prohibited in Nigeria.
The public was advised by the agency to ignore the false audio and not disseminate unconfirmed material.
The statement concluded, “NAFDAC is still proactive and dedicated to its mission of protecting public health by guaranteeing that Nigerians have access to only safe, high-quality, and appropriately regulated food and drug products.”
