NAFDAC warns consumers, seals off 18 warehouses over expired food products in Niger

*The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, in Nigeria, warn consumers sales and consumption of expired products that pose serious health risks, urging them to check product expiry dates before purchase

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As part of its offensives against harmful products in the Nigerian markets, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed off 18 warehouses in Bida, Niger State.

ConsumerConnect reports NAFDAC disclosed the operation followed the recent discovery of large quantities of expired food and beverage products valued at over ₦100 million.

The health sector regulatory agency also noted in a post via its verified X account (@NAFDACAgency) that the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of the agency performed the operation, based on credible intelligence.

NAFDAC also disclosed the affected warehouses, located around Ndazabo White House along Minna Road and behind Bida Modern Market, contained expired non-alcoholic beverages, dairy products, candies, bottled water, and pasta.

It further revealed that the suspects had already packaged some for distribution to unwary consumers.

It stated the recovered items included about 80,000 packets of non-alcoholic drinks, 5,000 packets of dairy milk, 16,000 packets of bottled water, and 28 cartons of pasta, among other expired products.

NAFDAC said its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate operatives arrested the warehouse managers for interrogation.

The agency affirmed its preliminary findings revealed and linked the facilities to BY Ventures in the state.

According to NAFDAC, subsequent inspections at supermarkets being operated by the company in Minna, the Niger State capital, also led to the discovery of additional expired products and suspected counterfeit Goya oil.

It is recalled the agency recently warned Nigerians, including clergymen, against the sales, purchase and use of adulterated Goya oil.

NAFDAC said its operatives had since sealed the supermarkets located in Minna, and invited the Managing Director of BY Ventures for further investigation.

It, therefore, warned that the sale and consumption of expired products pose serious health risks to consumers in the economy.

The health sector regulator equally urged members of the public to be vigilant by checking product expiry dates before purchase and reporting suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The agency as well reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, and ensuring that only safe, quality products are available to Nigerian consumers.

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