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- NAFDAC has initiated a comprehensive three-day operation across Bauchi State markets, aiming to remove counterfeit Milo chocolate drinks from circulation
- Bauchi's NAFDAC office is not only focusing on fake Milo products but also planning a critical engagement with agrochemical dealers regarding banned substances
- In addition to the ongoing market inspections, NAFDAC is urging local businesses to renew their licences and register products to ensure compliance and market integration
BAUCHI, NIGERIA — The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a three-day operation in Bauchi State aimed at removing counterfeit Milo chocolate drinks from the market.
The exercise, which started on Tuesday, is a response to a directive from NAFDAC's headquarters, according to Paul Kamai, the state director of NAFDAC in Bauchi.
Source: UGC
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, Mr Kamai stated, “The NAFDAC office began the inspections in markets and superstores to get rid of the fake Milo in circulation following a directive from the headquarters. This exercise will last for three days starting Tuesday.”
NAFDAC launches 3-day operation in Bauchi markets
The operation has seen NAFDAC officials conducting thorough inspections across various markets and superstores in Bauchi, with the goal of ensuring that only genuine Milo products remain on the shelves.
In addition to the crackdown on counterfeit products, NAFDAC has scheduled a meeting within the week with the leadership of the Agrochemical Dealers Association in Bauchi. Mr Kamai highlighted the importance of this engagement, particularly in light of the upcoming harvest season.
“In Bauchi, we will engage the dealers of agrochemicals against the use of Dictholoruvis and Paraquat chemicals to store food as we approach harvest period,” he explained. “These are dangerous chemicals that have been banned over time.”
Mr Kamai also issued a reminder to bakers and packaged water producers in the state about the importance of renewing their operational licences within the stipulated two-year timeline. “Failure to renew the operational licences could result in penalties that might affect business operations,” he warned.
Furthermore, he urged small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to register their products with NAFDAC.
“Registering with NAFDAC will help assimilate their products into Nigerian markets,” Mr Kamai noted, emphasizing the need for compliance to ensure product safety and market acceptance.
Fake drugs in Nigeria
The issue of fake products in Nigeria has been a longstanding challenge, with significant cases highlighting the scale of the problem over the years.
A report in Bayero University, Kano's Journal of Basic and Clinical Sciences in 2017, estimated that over 40% of pharmaceuticals in circulation in Nigeria were counterfeit, posing severe public health risks and prompting stronger regulatory actions.
A notable instance occurred in 2008, when fake antimalarial drugs flooded the market, leading to widespread health complications and fatalities.
Although there have been claims that there are up to 70 per cent fake drugs in Nigeria, NAFDAC has refuted it, clarifying that Nigeria has just 12 to 15 per cent fake drugs.
NAFDAC warns Nigerians about ginny non-dairy creamer
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding the illegal distribution of falsified Ginny Non-Dairy Creamer products.
The agency said the counterfeit products have flooded markets across the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, due to their high demand.
Source: Legit.ng
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