As the holiday season draws near, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged Nigerians to stay vigilant against counterfeit and adulterated products, particularly drinks, which see a spike in circulation during the festivities.
healthDirector-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, issued the warning during a forum organized by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. She stressed the health risks posed by fake drinks, foods, and medicines, highlighting their potential to cause serious illnesses or even fatalities.
“Do not buy medicines from corner stores, kiosks, or hawkers. Always purchase from a certified pharmacy,” Adeyeye advised, emphasizing that cheaper alternatives sold by unregulated vendors often come at a grave cost to health.
The festive season, she noted, is notorious for an increase in counterfeit drinks, urging Nigerians to check for NAFDAC registration numbers and expiry dates before purchasing. She also called for caution in avoiding suspicious or improperly labeled products.
furthermore, NAFDAC warned bakeries nationwide against using harmful substances such as bromate and saccharin in bread production, vowing to shut down violators. Adeyeye revealed that several bakeries and water factories had already been closed for operating in unhygienic conditions or producing substandard goods.
“Our post-marketing surveillance ensures that what is registered with us remains consistent in the market. We routinely inspect and test products to maintain safety standards,” she said.
