Cancer Claims: NAFDAC Begins Test of Indomie Noodles
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
(NAFDAC) says it would begin laboratory tests on Indomie noodles following
claims that it could contain carcinogenic substances.
This follows
claims in Taiwan and Malaysia that ethylene oxide, a cancer causing agent, was
found in samples of the Indomie chicken flavor in both countries.
The producers denies presence of the chemical in their products
and maintain that Indomie is produced in accordance with international food
safety regulations. The products have since been recalled from circulation in
both countries.
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But in a reaction on Monday, NAFDAC boss Mojisola Adeyeye said her
agency was abreast of the development and has set processes in motion to
investigate the noodles both at production factories and in the markets.
This, she said, was to ensure that the harmful brand of noodles has not
been smuggled into the country.
“NAFDAC’s food safety and applied
nutrition directorate will randomly sample Indomie noodles (including the
seasoning) from the production facilities while post-marketing surveillance
directorate (will) sample from the markets,” Mrs Adeyeye said.
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“The compound of interest is ethylene oxide, so the director, food lab
services directorate, has been engaged. He is working on the methodology for
the analysis.”
The NAFDAC boss stressed that importation of noodles
has been banned in the country, noting that the latest tests were “an extra
caution to ensure that the product is not smuggled in.”
She said
further that “we also want to be sure that the spices used for the Indomie and
other noodles in Nigeria are tested.”
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Per World Instant Noodles Association, Nigeria ranks 11th in the global
demand for noodles with Indomie instant noodles being the most consumed brand
in the country.
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