The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that it is conducting a swift investigation into the possible presence of ethylene oxide in Indomie Instant Noodles 'Special Chicken Flavour' and other brands of instant noodles offered for sale in Nigeria.
This action comes in response to the recalls of Indomie Instant Noodles 'Special Chicken Flavour' by the Ministries of Health in Malaysia and Taiwan on account of the alleged presence of ethylene oxide, a compound associated with an increased risk of cancer.
According to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christiana Adeyeye, the agency is carrying out random sampling and analysis of Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) for the presence of ethylene oxide.
The investigation will also extend to other brands of instant noodles offered for sale in Nigeria. The agency is committed to conducting a thorough investigation of the products both at the factory and market levels, and its findings will be communicated to the public.
It is important to note that the implicated Indomie Instant Noodles 'Special Chicken Flavour' is not registered by NAFDAC for sale in Nigeria. Additionally, noodles are on the Import Prohibition List of the Federal Government of Nigeria and are therefore not permitted for importation into the country.
The Director-General emphasized that the Indomie instant noodles products (and other brands of noodles) registered by NAFDAC for sale in the Nigerian market are manufactured in Nigeria and are only granted NAFDAC registration status following a strict regulatory regime covering all aspects of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
The Ports Inspection Directorate (PID) is also on heightened alert to guard against the importation of the implicated product into Nigeria. NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the agency is proactive and remains alive to its responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public. Further updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.
