The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has denied allegations that it shut down the Tummy Tummy noodles factory in Anambra State and imposed a ban on tinned tomatoes and Maggi seasoning cubes.
The agency, in a statement personally signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, titled “Disclaimer On Audio Recording Re: Tummy Tummy Noodles, Tinned Tomatoes, And Maggi Seasoning Cubes,” described these claims as “false and misleading”.
“We urge the public to disregard the misleading audio and refrain from spreading unverified content,” Adeyeye said. “NAFDAC remains proactive and committed to its mandate of safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and properly regulated food and drug products are available to Nigerians.”
According to the statement, NAFDAC investigated the matter and found no evidence to support the claims made in the audio.
“Contrary to the claims made in the recording, the Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State was not sealed,” Adeyeye clarified. “A NAFDAC inspection team conducted an unscheduled visit to the facility, collected samples of four different noodle variants, and submitted them to the Agulu Laboratory for evaluation. The results returned satisfactory, with no infractions recorded.”
The Director General noted that the agency also investigated concerns about the presence of ethylene oxide in instant noodles in 2023 and found that neither ethylene oxide nor its derivative was detected in any instant noodles or seasonings produced in Nigeria.
She maintained that the mycotoxin levels and heavy metal levels were within internationally acceptable limits, confirming the safety of Nigerian-made noodles.
The statement partly read: “The individual who created the audio falsely claimed to be acting in collaboration with NAFDAC and alleged the presence of “acetyl methyl” as a preservative in the product.
“This was unfounded and misleading. NAFDAC found no evidence to support the claims and reiterates that the company was not in violation of any safety or regulatory standards.”
Adeyeye emphasised that NAFDAC’s findings confirmed the safety of Tummy Tummy noodles and other products mentioned in the audio.
“There is no ban on tinned tomatoes or Maggi seasoning cubes in Nigeria,” she affirmed
“We urge the public to disregard the misleading audio and refrain from spreading unverified content. NAFDAC remains proactive and committed to its mandate of safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and properly regulated food and drug products are available to Nigerians.”
About the Author
