Bags of fake chemicals recovered by NAFDAC
By OLA MODUPE, Lagos-
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal operation involving fake chemicals, expired food flavours, fertilisers, and repackaged raw materials worth N1 billion in Lagos.
The agency’s operatives, led by Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, busted the operation at the Alapere area of Ketu, arresting three suspects and sealing three warehouses.
Iluyomade said, “This is one of the campaigns our agency is carrying out to protect the health of Nigerians. The main offence here is the sale of expired chemicals. If an expired chemical is used, it is impossible to get a safe or effective final product, making it a serious health risk.”
The agency discovered dangerous chemicals that pose serious security threats, which are expected to be handled only by government agencies or licensed end users. Iluyomade added, “Fertilisers among the items were found, these items required clearance from the National Security Adviser before anyone can distribute them. Yet, someone has been stocking and selling them freely.”
Some expired food additives found at the location were from a registered company licensed to import the product. NAFDAC said the company will be investigated.
The agency’s Director of Chemical Evaluation and Control, Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, urged companies to follow NAFDAC guidelines on handling such items.
The agency has sealed three warehouses and seized fake and expired items worth N1 billion. Omokpariola said, “It was unfortunate that some of the items found at the three warehouses were strictly controlled items not expected to be in the possession of an individual.”
