National Agency for Food and Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) officials have cracked down on warehouses in Lagos that contained unregistered sardines, cooking spices, and tomato pastes worth millions of Naira.
Dr Monica Eimunjeze, Acting Director General, NAFDAC, who led the enforcement team for the sting operation, said despite the ban on importation of tomato pastes in the country, they were surprised to see heavy loads of unregistered tomato pastes, seasonings and sardines stockpiled in warehouses located in Lagos.
She said although investigation is ongoing on the goods, but it was necessary to alert the public on the discovery to prevent the consumption of such unregistered products.
Among the list of the unregistered tomato pastes brands displayed at the NAFDAC’s office were Lena, Mummy’s Joy, St Anne, 1st Choice, Famrite, Estus and others.
She added: “We uncovered some banned tomato pastes products, which have not been evaluated by this agency, stockpiled in warehouses in Lagos. The products question the existence of local manufacturers who are in the line of production of these products.
”As I said earlier, investigation is ongoing, but suffice it to say that the quantities are remarkable enough to warrant attention, and we can’t speak to the quality of these products”.
She appreciated Head of Enforcement of the agency, for his vigilance and alertness in spotting warehouses where these illegal products are kept.
“I want to specially appreciate the work of our investigation and enforcement director, Mr Martins and his team, ably supported by our officers, who joined us on this operation. It was not easy, I wouldn’t say more than that, and we know it could get worse, if such crack operations are not carried out”, she explained.
