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By Daniel Adaji
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has declared that ethylene oxide is not present in any instant noodles or seasonings produced in Nigeria.
This clarification follows the resurgence of a misleading audio recording circulating on social media and messaging platforms, falsely claiming that the Agency shut down Tummy Tummy noodles’ manufacturing facility in Anambra State and banned tinned tomatoes and Maggi seasoning cubes.
In a statement shared with Pointblanknews.com on Wednesday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, firmly dissociated the Agency from the audio and categorically stated: “Findings confirmed that ethylene oxide or its derivative was NOT present in any instant noodles or seasonings produced in Nigeria.”
NAFDAC explained that the same audio first appeared in October 2023 and was thoroughly investigated at the time. “Contrary to the claims made in the recording, the Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State was not sealed,” the statement noted.
According to the Agency, an unscheduled inspection was carried out at the factory where samples of four noodle variants were taken and sent to the Agulu Laboratory for evaluation. “The results returned satisfactory, with no infractions recorded,” it said.
The person behind the audio had also alleged that acetyl methyl was used as a preservative in the noodles, while claiming to be acting in collaboration with NAFDAC.
The Agency dismissed this as “unfounded and misleading,” affirming that no evidence supported the claims and that the company was not in violation of any safety or regulatory standards.
The regulator assured Nigerians that food products under its regulatory watch remain safe.
“Additionally, mycotoxin levels and heavy metals were within internationally acceptable limits, confirming the safety of Nigerian-made noodles,” NAFDAC stated.
Adeyeye also reiterated that “there is no ban on tinned tomatoes or Maggi seasoning cubes in Nigeria.”
She urged the public to disregard the circulating audio and refrain from spreading unverified information, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding public health.
“NAFDAC remains proactive and committed to its mandate of ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and properly regulated food and drug products are available to Nigerians,” the Agency said.