Adeyeye warns that Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ not approved by NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning that the implicated Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ is not registered for sale in Nigeria by NAFDAC.

Prof Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Adeyeye recalled that the Ministries of Health in Malaysia and Taiwan had banned Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ due to the alleged presence of ethylene oxide, a compound linked to an increased risk of cancer.

As a result, she warned the general public that the product had not yet been registered by NAFDAC.

“The Management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is aware of the recalls of Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ by Malaysian and Taiwanese Ministries of Health due to the alleged presence of ethylene oxide, a compound associated with an increased risk of cancer,” she said.

“NAFDAC, as a responsible and responsive regulator, is moving quickly to conduct random sampling and analysis of Indomie noodles (including seasoning) for the presence of ethylene oxide, as well as expanding the investigation to other brands of instant noodles sold in Nigeria.”

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“We use this medium to reassure the public that thorough investigations of the products will be conducted at both the factory and market levels, and our findings will be communicated.”

“The public is also hereby informed that the implicated Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’ is not registered for sale in Nigeria by NAFDAC,” she added. It is important to note that noodles are on the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Import Prohibition List and thus are not permitted for importation into Nigeria.

“Furthermore, the Indomie instant noodles (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 after passing a stringent regulatory regime covering all aspects of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).” The Ports Inspection Directorate (PID) is also on high alert to prevent the implicated product from being imported into Nigeria.

“NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the Agency is proactive and committed to its responsibilities of protecting the public’s health.”