The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken decisive measures by sealing a juice manufacturing company in Ibadan for producing beverages without the agency’s mandatory registration number.
This significant move was revealed by Rosline Ajayi, the NAFDAC South-West Director, during an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Ibadan.
Ajayi highlighted that the agency became aware of the company’s operations through information provided by the Osun office.
The initial tip-off came in the form of a WhatsApp clip showcasing the company’s products discovered in a hamper without the essential NAFDAC registration number.
“We collaborate a lot; our state office in Osun sent information via a WhatsApp clip of the company’s products that were discovered in a hamper without NAFDAC registration number,” explained Ajayi.
She further elucidated that upon receiving the clip, she verified the company’s details, given its Ibadan address, and cross-referenced it with NAFDAC records.
“However, while going through the file, I discovered that the company actually applied for registration, but there was no indication that inspection was done or NAFDAC number given,” added Ajayi.
She emphasized that mere application and payment were not synonymous with registration, underscoring the intricate procedures involved in the proper registration of a product.
In response to the discrepancy, the agency swiftly deployed inspection officers to ascertain the company’s actual address.
Upon reaching the location, the officers discovered that the company was indeed involved in the production of juice without the essential NAFDAC registration number, a critical violation of regulatory standards.
The sealing of the company serves as a stern reminder of NAFDAC’s commitment to upholding food and drug safety standards in the country.
Ajayi affirmed the agency’s dedication to thorough inspections and regulatory compliance to ensure that consumers are protected from substandard and unregulated products.
This incident also underscores the importance of collaboration between NAFDAC’s regional offices, as the Osun office played a crucial role in bringing the unregistered products to the attention of the South-West office, ultimately leading to the enforcement action.
As NAFDAC continues its vigilance, such interventions serve to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of the food and beverage industry in Nigeria.
