The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed unwholesome, banned, fake and adulterated products worth about Eight Billion Naira confiscated in the course of its operations in the North Central Zone
The destruction exercise was carried out on Thursday during the North Central Zonal Destruction of NAFDAC regulated products in Lafia, Nasarawa State
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, represented by the Deputy Director in charge of North Central Zone, Mr. Joseph Edor, said the bulk of the destroyed products were predominantly banned alcoholic beverages in low volumes of less than 200ml (20cl).
Prof Adeyeye explained that studies by researchers have shown that due to the availability, affordability and portability of such pack sizes, they have become major products of abuse and addiction among Nigerians, especially youths and underage school children.
She noted that research has also shown that early exposure to alcohol affects the brain and other vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, stymies the brain resulting in mental retardation and brain damage, which in turn leads to poor performance of pupils and students in school, low productivity and several illnesses
She said, “It was based on these abuses, addiction and adverse effects that the Agency banned the production, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET and glass bottles below 200ml, hence the raid and confiscation from manufacturing outfits, sales outlets, markets and motor parks”
Other products destroyed include expired, fake and unwholesome food, drugs and cosmetics confiscated during daily operations
The NAFDAC DG said the Agency has the mandate of protecting and promoting public health by ensuring that only the right quality, safe and efficacious drugs, food, cosmetics, medical devices, water and other regulated products are manufactured, imported, distributed, advertised or used in Nigeria
She said in order to achieve the mandate, the Agency through its officers carries out inspections, investigations, enforcement, product registration and laboratory analysis
The DG appreciated other law enforcement organizations, sister agencies, associations and stakeholders for their continuous collaboration, especially in intelligence sharing and security cover during operations